autocrossing

[Gearhead_44]

I want to get into autocrossing and have never done it before. I am wondering, what generation is better for autocrossing. Also if i start with a stock dsm what should i put my money into first? I am not looking to win right away because i have never done it before so any info on getting started would be great.

 

[boosted_91_tsi]

No matter what car you get, you need to invest into suspension (struts, springs, check tie-rod ends, ball joints, sway bar, etc) and brakes/pads. I would hold off on tires for now. If you run street tires while starting out you will be able to throw the car around even better when it gets time to put on the nice sticky rubber. Track tires can cover alot of driver error in autocross. Be sure to flush out all the old brake fluid and replace with some fresh heavy duty stuff. I am not sure on the 2G's but on a 1G you WILL experience power steering cut out under heavy loads which makes it a PITA trying to take on a pivot cone. This can be fixed. I think there is a VFAQ on it as well. Some other things to look into would be a harness of some kind, weather it be a true 5-point or just a torso strap, anything to help keep you planted in the seat will help. You can expect something to break on you at some point in the season so have a little extra money set aside for things later on down the road if you plan on really getting into it. Autocross has to be the most fun way to legally throw around a car. You can check out the SCCA site for a little more info. Another good site to hit up is www.autocrossforum.com . There is alot of experience in those rooms.
Any particular reason you are going with a DSM for autocross?

 

[Gearhead_44]

Well i used to have a 94 eclipse and got rid of it. I really liked the car. Also i have always had a soft spot for dsms.

 

[boosted_91_tsi]

I hear ya. Mine has put me through so much but I dont think I could ever sell it. The best thing you can do to improve at autocross is get as much seat time as you can and ask the experienced drivers to ride along with you. You will learn so much from them.

 

[Gearhead_44]

I was looking into the scca. Do you like the way things are ran there? Would it be a good place to learn?

 

[boosted_91_tsi]

Every club has a different style of running things. There is no one true perfect way, they all have their flaws and their good points. I am not sure what all is out there. Here is a link for some info in your area... http://www.autocrossforum.com/forums/index.php?showforum=64 . Your first auto-x will probably be a little confusing with the grid, tech, pit areas and such. You will learn all about that stuff as you go. The club I am with pays special attention to Novices. We have experienced drivers go on a walk through with the group of novices and points out many different aspects of auto-x. They give you basic pointers, nothing too technical or overwhelming. I don't know that SCCA events have this type of deal as much as the smaller local groups but no matter where you go, there will always be someone willing to help you out. They will not just throw you in there and let you go. They will have like a 15 minute driver's meeting where they go over all safety precautions and rules. It is a blast and I look forward to it every time. You learn from seat time. The more you drive the better you will be and the more you will learn about pushing your car to the limits.

http://dcscc.blogspot.com/
http://home.att.net/~dcscc/calendar.html

 

[Gearhead_44]

Thank you for all your help. I am wishing that it will be fun for me as well and that i catch on quick.

 

[Gearhead_44]

One more thing that I would like your or anyone else's opinion on. I found a 97 gst with 123k on it. From the outside it seems to be in good shape. I would like to know if it is a good buy or not? This might not be the right place to post this but I want a quick opinion.

 

[1990talon]

If you were goinig to autocross I would buy a AWD

 

[boosted_91_tsi]

Will this car be strictly for autocross or will it double as a daily driver? You will be able to get a bit more from an AWD, but if you are just looking to go out and have fun and daily drive the car as well then get anything that YOU like. Personally I love the AWD on and off the track. Either way they are fun cars to drive.

 

[MyBeatGSX]

I think there is a VFAQ on it as well. Some other things to look into would be a harness of some kind, weather it be a true 5-point or just a torso strap, anything to help keep you planted in the seat will help.

You have no idea how important this is. Its such a PITA to autocross in stock leather 2G seats and stock belts. I'm flying all over the interior and spending more effort on bracing myself with the wheel and the door than I am on controlling the car. I co-drive an Ion Redline with my friend and the experience is so much more enjoyable (and my driving is so much better) with seats that actually hold me in (stock cloth/leather Recaros).

Your first auto-x will probably be a little confusing with the grid, tech, pit areas and such. You will learn all about that stuff as you go. The club I am with pays special attention to Novices. We have experienced drivers go on a walk through with the group of novices and points out many different aspects of auto-x. They give you basic pointers, nothing too technical or overwhelming.

Same here. They're very accomodating (sp?), most people are plenty willing to help you.

Don't forget a helmet (I did my first time).

 

[boosted_91_tsi]

Don't forget a helmet (I did my first time).

Haha, yeah. Every one I have run with always has loaners but I prefer my own. I want to say I paid around $90 shipped for it at www.soloperformance.com . Mario Andretti was in town signing autographs a while back and I just happen to have my helmet in the car.

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M rated helmets can be found quite cheaper then the SA rated. For autocross purposes, an M (motorcycle) helmet would be fine.


There are also a few books out there that have good information in them. One I have read with good reviews is "Secrets of Solo Racing". After the intro it can get a little confusing until you experience your first autocross. Definitely one to look at though.

 

[MyBeatGSX]

http://www.tirerack.com/features/solo2/handbook.htm

 

[Gearhead_44]

The car will double as a daily driver. That is why i wanted something 2g for better reliability. i think though that i might go with 1g because i don't have a lot of money. Also i could really take my time and try to get awd.