| Whiplash322 | 03-01-2005 10:47 AM |
Starting AutoX this year...
�
�
I am new to the whole SoloII scene, and i was wondering if anyone had any suggestions. I am looking to run D Stock because i lack the funds to compete in the higher classes. I currently have 700$ which i would like to put twords perparing my car for the upcomming season. I already have set my sights on a set of good R compounds (hoosiers or kumhos) but i am at a loss for what else to get(i am splitting the cost with my co-driver), any suggestions? Thanks a lot guys,
-Will
-Will
| KC | 03-01-2005 10:50 AM |
Take that $700 and take an auto-x school or two after a couple events, and then buy some good street tires.
It's not really going to matter what kind of tires you have on for the 1st year. If you run r-compounds, by driving badly, you'll burn through them that much quicker, and still be slow.
IMHO, a couple schools ([url]http://www.autocross.com/evolution[/url]) and some good street rubber will go a long way vs no instruction and r-compounds.
--kC
It's not really going to matter what kind of tires you have on for the 1st year. If you run r-compounds, by driving badly, you'll burn through them that much quicker, and still be slow.
IMHO, a couple schools ([url]http://www.autocross.com/evolution[/url]) and some good street rubber will go a long way vs no instruction and r-compounds.
--kC
| Whiplash322 | 03-01-2005 10:52 AM |
Thanks a lot, i will check that out.
| mcowger | 03-01-2005 10:59 AM |
For D-Stock, there is really very little you are allowed to do to the car. Hell you can barely run aftermarket wheels (no 17" inchers!, as thats a dealer, not port option), nor run a debadged car!
So basically, for DS, you'll want R compounds and seat time.
You might consider, just for $$ sake, moving up to STX, where you have to use street tires (which are cheaper), but can do alot more fun stuff down the road (wings, debadging, bigger wheels).
So basically, for DS, you'll want R compounds and seat time.
You might consider, just for $$ sake, moving up to STX, where you have to use street tires (which are cheaper), but can do alot more fun stuff down the road (wings, debadging, bigger wheels).
| ChrisW | 03-01-2005 11:07 AM |
[QUOTE=KC]Take that $700 and take an auto-x school or two after a couple events, and then buy some good street tires.
It's not really going to matter what kind of tires you have on for the 1st year. If you run r-compounds, by driving badly, you'll burn through them that much quicker, and still be slow.
IMHO, a couple schools ([url="http://www.autocross.com/evolution"]http://www.autocross.com/evolution[/url]) and some good street rubber will go a long way vs no instruction and r-compounds.
--kC[/QUOTE]
yup.. this is your best option.
It's not really going to matter what kind of tires you have on for the 1st year. If you run r-compounds, by driving badly, you'll burn through them that much quicker, and still be slow.
IMHO, a couple schools ([url="http://www.autocross.com/evolution"]http://www.autocross.com/evolution[/url]) and some good street rubber will go a long way vs no instruction and r-compounds.
--kC[/QUOTE]
yup.. this is your best option.
| p1driftfiend | 03-01-2005 11:14 AM |
[QUOTE=mcowger]
You might consider, just for $$ sake, moving up to STX, where you have to use street tires (which are cheaper), but can do alot more fun stuff down the road (wings, debadging, bigger wheels).[/QUOTE]
:huh: Move up a class for the sake of debadging, adding more weight by means of a wing, and slowing the car down with bigger wheels ? :huh:
Run 3-4 events bone stock, and see what you think are the highs and lows of the car. Learn to drive on crappy tires, then start moving up, and read this too:
[url]http://scca.com/_filelibrary/File/2005SoloRules.pdf[/url]
You might consider, just for $$ sake, moving up to STX, where you have to use street tires (which are cheaper), but can do alot more fun stuff down the road (wings, debadging, bigger wheels).[/QUOTE]
:huh: Move up a class for the sake of debadging, adding more weight by means of a wing, and slowing the car down with bigger wheels ? :huh:
Run 3-4 events bone stock, and see what you think are the highs and lows of the car. Learn to drive on crappy tires, then start moving up, and read this too:
[url]http://scca.com/_filelibrary/File/2005SoloRules.pdf[/url]
| DrBiggly | 03-01-2005 11:19 AM |
I agree with KC: Some good street tires, the autox school. And a front bar to help the car out. :)
| fliz | 03-01-2005 11:29 AM |
STX isn't really moving "up" a class from DS. The PAX's are almost the same, and with the limited lifespan of R compounds, the cost to run could be cheaper for STX.
With a co-driver, you will need at least 2 sets of R compounds, more likely 4 sets to run a whole season.
In most local regions, an otherwise stock car on Azenis can be competitive in STX with the right driver.
I would spend $400-$450 on new tires, $100 on camber bolts and a performance alignment (lots of neg. camber up front), maybe the final bit on a front and/or rear sway bar, and then try to run as many events as you can.
With a co-driver, you will need at least 2 sets of R compounds, more likely 4 sets to run a whole season.
In most local regions, an otherwise stock car on Azenis can be competitive in STX with the right driver.
I would spend $400-$450 on new tires, $100 on camber bolts and a performance alignment (lots of neg. camber up front), maybe the final bit on a front and/or rear sway bar, and then try to run as many events as you can.
| leecea | 03-01-2005 11:39 AM |
If you're in MD, you'll probably be running at Ripken stadium where I often go. They set some very nice courses there, with IMHO a good balance of technical features and some fun, faster sections. You will have fun and there will be experienced Scooby drivers willing to do in-car instruction, which is a huge help.
Also, there is a novice school scheduled there very soon ([url]http://www.phillyscca.com/program_schedule.htm[/url]).
Also, there is a novice school scheduled there very soon ([url]http://www.phillyscca.com/program_schedule.htm[/url]).
| Whiplash322 | 03-01-2005 11:44 AM |
Damn...im running 17x7.5in Rota Attacks...and my car is debadged...
| leecea | 03-01-2005 12:09 PM |
Oh, well. I was hoping for another DS competitor :(
| Whiplash322 | 03-01-2005 12:40 PM |
Does being in STX allow me to run my bov/turboback?
| jcroy66 | 03-01-2005 12:58 PM |
[QUOTE=fliz]In most local regions, an otherwise stock car on Azenis can be competitive in STX with the right driver.[/QUOTE]
And in most local regions, an otherwise stock car on Azenis can be competitive in [B]DS[/B] with the [B]right[/B] driver.
But this guy already said he's just starting. Therefore, it's highly unlikely he's going to be at the top of his class, no matter what class he's in.
Seat time, seat time, seat time.
Then NEXT YEAR, he can decide where he wants to go with the car, preparation-wise.
(In other words, I agree with KC!)
And in most local regions, an otherwise stock car on Azenis can be competitive in [B]DS[/B] with the [B]right[/B] driver.
But this guy already said he's just starting. Therefore, it's highly unlikely he's going to be at the top of his class, no matter what class he's in.
Seat time, seat time, seat time.
Then NEXT YEAR, he can decide where he wants to go with the car, preparation-wise.
(In other words, I agree with KC!)
| jcroy66 | 03-01-2005 01:07 PM |
[QUOTE=Whiplash322]Does being in STX allow me to run my bov/turboback?[/QUOTE]
BOV - no.
Turboback - ok [B]if[/B] you have at least one cat still in the system (can be the cat in the uppipe).
BOV - no.
Turboback - ok [B]if[/B] you have at least one cat still in the system (can be the cat in the uppipe).
| rautox | 03-01-2005 01:23 PM |
[URL=http://www.autocrossersinc.org]Autocrossers Inc.[/URL] is also hosting several events at Ripken this season.
| leecea | 03-01-2005 01:24 PM |
I think BOV puts you in Street Mod (SM).
| Whiplash322 | 03-01-2005 02:03 PM |
Ah great, well the plan as of now is to sell my TurboXS turboback (not the RFL) and buy a carbon TI axle/cat back. but i will keep the BOV off for the season. Thanks a lot guys, i hope to see you all out there, im sure ill need help.
| JaMes W | 03-01-2005 02:30 PM |
Is there any class that will allow catless. or do you have to have one for all auto x events?
| fliz | 03-01-2005 03:05 PM |
[QUOTE=JaMes W]Is there any class that will allow catless. or do you have to have one for all auto x events?[/QUOTE]
Catless is ESP or SM.
Catless is ESP or SM.
| ratt_finkel | 03-01-2005 03:28 PM |
Basically what everyone else said. Go out there with the car as stock as possible. Drive it for a couple of events. Then when you think that you NEED something to go faster. Let one of the instructors, or top guys drive your car. And see what times they run. They will most likely better your time by a significant margin.
And the most important part, HAVE FUN!
And the most important part, HAVE FUN!
| Whiplash322 | 03-01-2005 03:29 PM |
Sounds good, now all i need to do is sell this damn exhaust haha
| KoneKiller | 03-01-2005 03:48 PM |
Do you have your stock wheels? What about the stock BOV and exhaust?
| Whiplash322 | 03-01-2005 03:49 PM |
I have stock exhaust, stock BOV, but no stock wheels :(
| KoneKiller | 03-01-2005 03:51 PM |
Whoa!!! Time to reconsider!
Don't change a thing on your car. Enter your car in SM for 4 events. Yes, some guy with a car made of unobtanium running perchlorate for fuel will blow your doors off, but you'll get a taste for it before you spend money getting back to stock.
Or put the stock exhaust/BOV back on it and race in STX to save money on wheels.
Hmm.... is the intake stock?
Don't change a thing on your car. Enter your car in SM for 4 events. Yes, some guy with a car made of unobtanium running perchlorate for fuel will blow your doors off, but you'll get a taste for it before you spend money getting back to stock.
Or put the stock exhaust/BOV back on it and race in STX to save money on wheels.
Hmm.... is the intake stock?
| mcowger | 03-01-2005 04:03 PM |
Yes, I *gasp* suggested that for some, AutoX is not the be all end all of car use. For some, the car looking good and going fast are equally important.
Given the severe restrictions on what you can do to the car in DS, many people have to move up to STX. I like the V8 STi wing. I like my 17" Rotas and ES100s. I like my debadge job. I like the things that make the car look like its mine and not straight off the lot. Thats not a sin, its mearly a decision that for many (most?) that gaining 3s on the AutoX course for a total of 3 minutes every other weekend doesn't have quite the same return as my car looking nice everyday when I drive home in it. So I add 20lbs for the wing (I weigh 20lbs less than most of the people out there), big deal. My Rotas are about 1.5lbs per wheel more than the stockers. Thats not a tremendous amount either.
Given that the OP also has aftermarket wheels is it such a stretch to suggest that he move to STX for his first season, when no matter what class he's in he won't be in the top spots (no one is, their first season)? I don't think its so unreasonable.
My advice - go out there, and race STX or (with the BOV) in SM. Sure, you'll get killed. Big deal. Compare your times with guys in STX or STX-N to see how you are doing.
[QUOTE=p1driftfiend]:huh: Move up a class for the sake of debadging, adding more weight by means of a wing, and slowing the car down with bigger wheels ? :huh:
Run 3-4 events bone stock, and see what you think are the highs and lows of the car. Learn to drive on crappy tires, then start moving up, and read this too:
[url="http://scca.com/_filelibrary/File/2005SoloRules.pdf"]http://scca.com/_filelibrary/File/2005SoloRules.pdf[/url][/QUOTE]
Given the severe restrictions on what you can do to the car in DS, many people have to move up to STX. I like the V8 STi wing. I like my 17" Rotas and ES100s. I like my debadge job. I like the things that make the car look like its mine and not straight off the lot. Thats not a sin, its mearly a decision that for many (most?) that gaining 3s on the AutoX course for a total of 3 minutes every other weekend doesn't have quite the same return as my car looking nice everyday when I drive home in it. So I add 20lbs for the wing (I weigh 20lbs less than most of the people out there), big deal. My Rotas are about 1.5lbs per wheel more than the stockers. Thats not a tremendous amount either.
Given that the OP also has aftermarket wheels is it such a stretch to suggest that he move to STX for his first season, when no matter what class he's in he won't be in the top spots (no one is, their first season)? I don't think its so unreasonable.
My advice - go out there, and race STX or (with the BOV) in SM. Sure, you'll get killed. Big deal. Compare your times with guys in STX or STX-N to see how you are doing.
[QUOTE=p1driftfiend]:huh: Move up a class for the sake of debadging, adding more weight by means of a wing, and slowing the car down with bigger wheels ? :huh:
Run 3-4 events bone stock, and see what you think are the highs and lows of the car. Learn to drive on crappy tires, then start moving up, and read this too:
[url="http://scca.com/_filelibrary/File/2005SoloRules.pdf"]http://scca.com/_filelibrary/File/2005SoloRules.pdf[/url][/QUOTE]
| leecea | 03-01-2005 04:05 PM |
^^^ Completely agree
Run your car however you want, in whatever class it falls and just concentrate on getting better. You can still compare your times to people running in other classes, to see where you think your longterm plans will take you.
Whatever class you pick, there will be someone very fast in a well prep'ed car who is going to beat your time significantly. Don't worry about it and don't start changing the car immediately to try and play catch-up.
Autox is a bit of a black art and not exactly like driving fast on the street or even the track. You'll soon get the hang of it and see those margins come down, plus you'll get to talk to others with similar cars and get an idea of how you want to proceed.
Run your car however you want, in whatever class it falls and just concentrate on getting better. You can still compare your times to people running in other classes, to see where you think your longterm plans will take you.
Whatever class you pick, there will be someone very fast in a well prep'ed car who is going to beat your time significantly. Don't worry about it and don't start changing the car immediately to try and play catch-up.
Autox is a bit of a black art and not exactly like driving fast on the street or even the track. You'll soon get the hang of it and see those margins come down, plus you'll get to talk to others with similar cars and get an idea of how you want to proceed.
| KoneKiller | 03-01-2005 04:10 PM |
another bit of advice: don't dick with the car until you are consistent. For the first year I ran bone stock except Kumho MX's and a 'performance' alignment. Until my times got consistent, meaning that my first run was slowest and my final runs were within half a second of each other, I didn't change the car.
If you change the car, you never know if it's you getting faster or slower or the car. Once you get consistent and PRECISE, then you can tell if the changes are making things better or not.
Keep your car as it is for now.... go get some experience and skill and then decide what direction to go in for mods.
$0.02
If you change the car, you never know if it's you getting faster or slower or the car. Once you get consistent and PRECISE, then you can tell if the changes are making things better or not.
Keep your car as it is for now.... go get some experience and skill and then decide what direction to go in for mods.
$0.02
| Whiplash322 | 03-01-2005 04:20 PM |
so run it exactly how it is now...hmm
| KoneKiller | 03-01-2005 04:24 PM |
[QUOTE=Whiplash322]so run it exactly how it is now...hmm[/QUOTE]
If I were you... knowing what I know now. Spend the first year developing YOU not the car. Once you get consistent and have a couple of Evo schools under your belt, the proper way to change the car will become VERY clear to you and you will save thousands of dollars.
If I were you... knowing what I know now. Spend the first year developing YOU not the car. Once you get consistent and have a couple of Evo schools under your belt, the proper way to change the car will become VERY clear to you and you will save thousands of dollars.
| Scoobie Doogie | 03-01-2005 04:28 PM |
Don't be sad Andy...you still have me :).
Dave
Dave
| Whiplash322 | 03-01-2005 04:35 PM |
haha, good call, thanks a lot guys for all your help
| DrBiggly | 03-01-2005 04:43 PM |
[QUOTE=KoneKiller]If I were you... knowing what I know now. Spend the first year developing YOU not the car. Once you get consistent and have a couple of Evo schools under your belt, the proper way to change the car will become VERY clear to you and you will save thousands of dollars.[/QUOTE]
I agree. Once one gets consistent with the car, it is VERY obvious what to do with the car. No questions of "what should I do" will really come up other than "where to buy the parts." :)
I agree. Once one gets consistent with the car, it is VERY obvious what to do with the car. No questions of "what should I do" will really come up other than "where to buy the parts." :)
| KoneKiller | 03-01-2005 04:47 PM |
[QUOTE=DrBiggly]I agree. Once one gets consistent with the car, it is VERY obvious what to do with the car. No questions of "what should I do" will really come up other than "where to buy the parts." :)[/QUOTE]
Well... sometimes I still get lost in the setup. I tried the Dunlop Sport Race tires a while back and couldn't figure out whether it was crappy driving or wrong choice of tire pressures or what! After those chunked badly, I put Kumhos back on it and all is well again, beating the Boxsters and S2000's by about a second. Just as it should be :D
Well... sometimes I still get lost in the setup. I tried the Dunlop Sport Race tires a while back and couldn't figure out whether it was crappy driving or wrong choice of tire pressures or what! After those chunked badly, I put Kumhos back on it and all is well again, beating the Boxsters and S2000's by about a second. Just as it should be :D
| leecea | 03-01-2005 05:37 PM |
[QUOTE=Scoobie Doogie]Don't be sad Andy...you still have me :).
Dave[/QUOTE]
...and that's supposed to make me happy?!?!? :)
Dave[/QUOTE]
...and that's supposed to make me happy?!?!? :)
| Scoobie Doogie | 03-01-2005 07:58 PM |
D'oh...I'm bleeding over here
| dowroa | 03-01-2005 08:46 PM |
While I agree with a lot of the 'traditional' thought here on the boards, I am going to disagree to a point.
I was autoXing my first season, I was competitive locally last year(even though the REALLY good drivers made their own 'PRO' class to give us humans a chance, i.e. Hoppe). I went ahead and went to STX since the 'stock' packages on my car sent me to STX. With just a set of Azenis and no alignement, I was beating some fairly respectable people within the club.... until a really prepared BMW entered the mix with a good driver :)
If I had to do it again, I would get the same car, put the same Azenis on, and I would get some camber bolts + and alignement and go at it. I would do the alignment this time as I HATED killing the shoulders on my tires. There is NO reason to kill tires just so you can go through the 'learning curve'. Fix the things that need to be 'prepared' for aggressive driving to give yourself a chance, and then go to it.
So:
- alignment with camber bolts (80 + 60)
- Azenis in 225/45/17
And save the rest for entry fees. Do as many events as you can locally. See what you do and dont like about the car. At the end of the season, have some SPECIFIC things you want to do in the off season, get it done, and do the same the following year.
I think THAT would be a great way to get going. If you have the means to have a street set, and an autoX set, that is almost a GIVEN to do if you want to keep autoXing.
It honestly depends on where the competition is at with how you prep your car after a while, though. I ran a stock STi last year at then end of the year in ESP as that is where the good drivers were. :)
Go race locally, find a class you would like to compete in with some talent and people, and go at it!
Good luck, and I hope you enjoy it AND have the CHANCE to be competitive.
- dow
I was autoXing my first season, I was competitive locally last year(even though the REALLY good drivers made their own 'PRO' class to give us humans a chance, i.e. Hoppe). I went ahead and went to STX since the 'stock' packages on my car sent me to STX. With just a set of Azenis and no alignement, I was beating some fairly respectable people within the club.... until a really prepared BMW entered the mix with a good driver :)
If I had to do it again, I would get the same car, put the same Azenis on, and I would get some camber bolts + and alignement and go at it. I would do the alignment this time as I HATED killing the shoulders on my tires. There is NO reason to kill tires just so you can go through the 'learning curve'. Fix the things that need to be 'prepared' for aggressive driving to give yourself a chance, and then go to it.
So:
- alignment with camber bolts (80 + 60)
- Azenis in 225/45/17
And save the rest for entry fees. Do as many events as you can locally. See what you do and dont like about the car. At the end of the season, have some SPECIFIC things you want to do in the off season, get it done, and do the same the following year.
I think THAT would be a great way to get going. If you have the means to have a street set, and an autoX set, that is almost a GIVEN to do if you want to keep autoXing.
It honestly depends on where the competition is at with how you prep your car after a while, though. I ran a stock STi last year at then end of the year in ESP as that is where the good drivers were. :)
Go race locally, find a class you would like to compete in with some talent and people, and go at it!
Good luck, and I hope you enjoy it AND have the CHANCE to be competitive.
- dow
| Got Pink? | 03-01-2005 09:11 PM |
I would run in STX just remove the BOV and get a cat in the system if you can and get azenis or mxs(it doesn't really matter much between them at this point just something decent) an alignment and camber bolts and have fun!
Someone already posted the link to the philly region novice school but I want to emphasize what a deal that school is and that its coming up soon. $60 to speed up the learning curve and its at ripken which is an excellent lot. If you are not already preregistered for the DC region good luck getting to run at fedex field with them. Fortunately the philly region holds most of their events at ripken stadium in aberdeen, md. Also as mentioned before autox inc runs there too. I will be at almost all of those events and glad to help with ride alongs and questions. Also whenever you are confused or lost on course or just need help getting faster get someone else experienced to ride a long and/or drive your car for a run.
Bottom line focus on fun and driving and only do things to the car that help you achieve it.
Nate
Someone already posted the link to the philly region novice school but I want to emphasize what a deal that school is and that its coming up soon. $60 to speed up the learning curve and its at ripken which is an excellent lot. If you are not already preregistered for the DC region good luck getting to run at fedex field with them. Fortunately the philly region holds most of their events at ripken stadium in aberdeen, md. Also as mentioned before autox inc runs there too. I will be at almost all of those events and glad to help with ride alongs and questions. Also whenever you are confused or lost on course or just need help getting faster get someone else experienced to ride a long and/or drive your car for a run.
Bottom line focus on fun and driving and only do things to the car that help you achieve it.
Nate
| Scoobie Doogie | 03-01-2005 10:13 PM |
Hey Nate-
You gonna let me drive your STi again some time? I'll let you take the "R" around and the WRX when it's finished. Yeah I broke down and got another Subie. It's an 04 silver wagon like KC's (diff year) and will be just as fast when I get done with it. :devil:
Dave
You gonna let me drive your STi again some time? I'll let you take the "R" around and the WRX when it's finished. Yeah I broke down and got another Subie. It's an 04 silver wagon like KC's (diff year) and will be just as fast when I get done with it. :devil:
Dave
| variant | 03-01-2005 10:21 PM |
I might see you out there......thinking about bringing out the xrunner :)
| Got Pink? | 03-01-2005 10:47 PM |
Hey Dave,
Sure you can and I should have coilovers and other goodies soon too can you help me set it up since you have subie experience that I lack?
Good luck with the new ride will it be ready in time for the season?
Nate
Sure you can and I should have coilovers and other goodies soon too can you help me set it up since you have subie experience that I lack?
Good luck with the new ride will it be ready in time for the season?
Nate
| rex n effect | 03-01-2005 11:20 PM |
take off the BOV and run in STX. Or leave it on, nobody's going to protest you your first couple times out there.
[url]www.wdcr-scca.com[/url]
[url]www.wdcr-scca.com[/url]
| Whiplash322 | 03-02-2005 09:01 AM |
Thanks again guys, looks like im running STX without my BOV, thanks a lot guys im looking forward to seeing you all out there.
| Amazake | 03-02-2005 04:46 PM |
I am also starting Auto X this year, but my car will be in SM. I was tired of buying parts and just commuting in the car. This year I want to improve myself, I already drove in a one day winter saftety course @ Team O'Neil. I will admit, I have more parts on the car currently than I can name of the top of my head. The way I see my first season is to get seat time, and plenty of it. I enjoyed installing parts and "tweaking" the car. I don't want to revert to stock for classification. I really want to go out and COMPETE against myself. Learning driving technique is more important than anything else for me. If I decide that the desire to WIN exceeds the desire to improve, I may have to make some changes to the car. Until then, I will just have to learn from the bottom up.
Không có nhận xét nào:
Đăng nhận xét