Riktor is this your first Lemons event? I assume so, but you know what they say about assuming. All of these guys are right...it's an endurance race where a $1 hose clamp or something really cheap, and stupid easy to fix (had you caught it early) will end your day.
This will be my 3rd Lemons event at CMP in a few weeks, so I've been there, done that so to speak. The first event my team and I had no clue what to expect since all we had ever done was countless HPDE events. The slower cars who seemed to be out there just 'making laps' were kicking our butts...even though we could pass them in reverse it seemed. The reason was we drove like mad, got penalties and spent to much time on pit stops. Our 'performance' mods consisted of good brake pads, cut springs, and lots of negative camber up front....but...we finished 27th.
Fast forward one year, the car (E30 325e) was the exactly the same + one dent from the first race. New strategy...stay on the track and out of trouble, don't pit unless you have to. We were not the fastest or the slowest, but we made lots of laps and got zero penalties. We didn't break anything thus no wrenching on the car and the result...we won.
The moral of the story...make the car last and don't worry about making it fast. Check all the little things (clamps, hose, belts, etc.) to be sure the car is sound. Powdercoating will likely gain you penalty laps instead of the advantage you are seeking.
Captain
Team Super Westerfield Bros.
'93 Acura Integra - No VTEC Yo!