2g Handling Capabilities

[1meanGSX]

Ok, I just got a 1998 Eclipse GSX and I would like to know the handling capabilities this car has. I plan on autocrossing and possible road course racing this year with some friends. From what I have read the setup I think I want is Megan Racing Coilovers, RMDSM sways bar, Front & Rear strut bars, and Falken RT-615 235 40 18. Basically I will be up against alot of SRT-4's, 240's, and RSX Type S and I want to be competitive. So let me know how competitive a 2g can be, any tips would be appreciated. Thank You

 

[avw0516]

Second generations were designed for autocross and road racing more than anything else. They are low and wide which is excellent for autocross. You will most likely want a smaller sized turbo that will spoolup fast for autocross. Pair that up with some decent coil overs, sway bars, and tires and you should be good.

 

[c5chris]

My boss who is an accomplished autocrosser commented that the GSX would be a good road race car but not an autocrosser.

Why you say?

Huge turning radius. It cannot even do a complete U-turn on a red light that has only 2 lanes on the opposite lane.

But if you do plan to autocross it, keep a small to a medium sized turbo so you get full boost at low RPMs. No point of having one that will lag and suddenly go full boost at 4000-5000 rpms.

 

[wret]

If you want to be competitive, keep it stock. It will take you $10,000 in upgrades and several years of experience to be competitive again.

 

[wret]

My boss who is an accomplished autocrosser commented that the GSX would be a good road race car but not an autocrosser.

Why you say?

Huge turning radius. It cannot even do a complete U-turn on a red light that has only 2 lanes on the opposite lane.

But if you do plan to autocross it, keep a small to a medium sized turbo so you get full boost at low RPMs. No point of having one that will lag and suddenly go full boost at 4000-5000 rpms.

Fortunately there are no U-turns in the average autocross course. You will never come close to steering limits in an autocross race. Hell, I don't think I've ever turned the steering wheel more that 180°.

Edit: Official SCCA Solo2 Rules do allow single-cone pin-turns.

 

[1meanGSX]

Yea I am definately not getting a big turbo. I am getting ready to order a EvoIII 16g and a SBR manifold and DSMLINK and Denso 660's then run about 18-20 pounds. Thanks for all the input guys I really appreciate it. If you have any other tips let me know, oh for anbody in WA where are some good road courses at. Thanks, Derek

 

[Denji]

If you want to be competitive, keep it stock. It will take you $10,000 in upgrades and several years of experience to be competitive again.

I was just browsing, maybe I am missing something obvious, but I dont really understand what your saying here.

 

[95_E_clipse]

yeah, he means you can just be like hey I'm stock and I can beat you stock.Thats what I took it as

 

[wret]

Autocrossing is a rules game. If you want to have fun and push your limits and those of the vehicle to the max, knock yourself out and make all the mods you want. But once you start modding you will find yourself in classes with some very experienced competitors and some carfully modified, specialized cars. As a newbie to autocrossing you might start to be competive in stock class after a few races. With a couple simple mods you will find yourself in street modified class your you won't have a chance of winning until you and gain a lot of experience and put a lot more money into suspension modifications. Somewhere along the way your car will become impractical to drive on the street.

Many people start out thinking they need to modify the car to get it ready for autocrossing. It's ready now (assuming it's in good mechanical condition).

 

[1meanGSX]

I understand what you mean and you are a 100% true but I will most likely do more road course racing. I also am the type that leaving anything stock is just to hard for me. I have been to some autocross events and it is nice but I think the track is where the real fun is. I dont need to be the best there I just want to be able to test my car and go fast and have fun without the police being there to give me a ticket if you know what I mean. But thank for the advice, I think I will first try autocross stock or lightly modified and see how I like it then I'll decide whether the credit card will suffer or not

 

[talondude4]

I never tried autocross, whats it like? Is it as thrilling as drag?

 

[1meanGSX]

I have been to a couple but not raced in them but from what I got to see they are more fun and there is alot more involved than just going down a track even though I like drag racing autocross looks more fun. Derek

 

[D_Eclipse9916]

Fortunately there are no U-turns in the average autocross course. You will never come close to steering limits in an autocross race. Hell, I don't think I've ever turned the steering wheel more that 180°.

To say there are none is a big fallacy. I run into it quite often with my awd. However, if your are taking the right line you will hit your steering limit, but typically not need all that much more. Just take a wider path with more speed instead of a shorter path with less speed.

Proof: http://www.zippyvideos.com/7555360411347636/100_0563/*viper1313]
http://www.zippyvideos.com/5094640101347606/100_0530/*viper1313]

First time on the new wheels, and that is my first two runs..I know I suck..

 

[D_Eclipse9916]

Oh and I really hate how videos make it look like im going 5mph, I was not below 35mph except for the hairpin and that last corner.

Autocrossing and road racing are muh better than drag. There is no time to think in autocross, its turn after turn after turn, its fun as hell. I prefer autocross in fun because I dont have to worry about my car overheating and having problems like on the track.

 

[wret]

The tightest inside turn radius in SCCA course design rules is 25 feet with a track width no less than 15 feet. The intention is not to give a disadvantage to cars with larger turing radii. I guess there are exceptions to every rule though.

 

[D_Eclipse9916]

The tightest inside turn radius in SCCA course design rules is 25 feet with a track width no less than 15 feet. The intention is not to give a disadvantage to cars with larger turing radii. I guess there are exceptions to every rule though.

Someone should check the guys with BRR-SCCA events then . Wret, I see you are in maryland, I Would love to see you at an autocross, do you ever come to the Washington DC autocrosses at Fedex Field?

 

[wret]

do you ever come to the Washington DC autocrosses at Fedex Field?

Not yet.

Word has it the turns are too tight for 2g's.

 

[D_Eclipse9916]

Not yet.

Word has it the turns are too tight for 2g's.

At Fedex Field? no way, thats WDCR-SCCA. Higher speed longer courses, although they do have one or two very sharp corners, not as bad as hairpins though.

 

[1meanGSX]

Hey guys I have another questions. Would you reccomend a 235 40 18 or a 245 40 17 for autocross and street usage. I know a 245 40 17 is shorter than stock but that might be better for the track. So let me know.

 

[wret]

It has been pointed out to me that

there is nothing wrong with a single-cone pin-turn. And they are used all the time.

Local rules may include a minimum turn radius but the official/current SCCA Solo2 rules do not.

Thanks Jtoby.

 

[D_Eclipse9916]

It has been pointed out to me that Local rules may include a minimum turn radius but the official/current SCCA Solo2 rules do not.

Thanks Jtoby.

Owned... just kidding. Hopefully I can get some pictures of next weekend's autocross in Verona and maybe some videos too, isnt there something on here if I get videos or writeups or pictures or something I can get paid back for it or something? or even a t-shirt I dunno!


Edit: OH and go 235 for street use, mcuh cheaper to replace.