99OZDSM
15+ Year Contributor
- 267
- 43
- Jun 16, 2007
-
Virginia Beach,
Virginia
Taking my GSX out for an autox for the first time this Sunday. Any tips you guys recommend, especially for a stock handling 2G GSX? Thanks.
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- Slow is smooth, smooth is fast. Most guys go out there and think they need to be tire squealing, ballz to the wall, and hard on the brakes through every turn. They typically are not the fastest, unless they are very experienced. Your line is what will make you fast. Go slower at first and pick up the pace each run until you find your sweet spot. Don't go launching the crap out of your car to try to increase your time drastically. It was never really worth the strain on the car for me as you usually don't get over 40mph anyway. A low RPM small launch if anything will do you just fine
- Be sure to check your tire pressure. Once you start racing, it is going to go up. Just be sure to lower the cold pressure a bit so its about normal when it goes up.
- Not sure on the rules where you are racing, but I would bring a helmet as many require it.
- Get there a little early so you can walk the course. It helps a lot.
- If its sunny, you may want sunglasses or a tinted lens on your helmet. Not being able to see sucks.
- Remember that the cones laying down are pointing in the direction you need to go. Helps a lot especially if you forget the course at all mid run.
Autocross is a lot of fun and is a good entry into things such as road racing. If you have any interest in racing you will enjoy it a lot. Most importantly have fun and be safe.
- Make sure everything in your car is secured or strapped down. The last thing you want is something flying under your brake and causing you issues.
Learn to drive your car and control its weight transfer. Slow in, fast out is the only way our cars can not push or understeer.
Some very good advice given thus far. I can add some to the above:Be sure to report back here how it went.
- I usually put an extra 1/2 quart of oil in the car.
What is the purpose of the extra 1/2 quart? For keeping the crankcase full of oil while sloshing around? Should I be worried about overfilling the crankcase?
The biggest concern is ensuring there is oil for the oil pick-up. This method is THE cheapest way to combat a lack of oil during cornering. After 4 or so years of motorsport events, I have no ill effects of adding the extra 1/2 quart of oil. I also have to include that I still using 200 tread-wear tires.