FWD suspension advise for autoX

[dnhieu]

alright i picked up a 1g fwd for 300 bucks the other day. i know there isnt alot of us modding the fwd but i would like to set this one up for autoX. its already got a set of kyb AGX's and a 1" drop. i also currently have the thing completly gutted besides the dash,steering wheel, seats, seat belts, and dash. its also got a full set of polly motor mounts.

my questions are....

-what should i adjust my AGX's to? for autoX and drag racing???
-what other cheap things can i add to futher aid me in taking turns???
-do you think the officials at autoX going to have a problem with me running open downpipe???
-what are some good tires to run???

thanks in advance
david...

 

[Elvenhome21]

drill out the mountig holes on the strut, stock they are like 3/8 or 7/16 drill them out to 9/16 or if you have a drill press get a step drill and offset drill them you can get a ton of camber and a little caster gain also i will post a pic of my strut so you can see what i mean.
http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2918705070090774303BKjEzw

 

[dnhieu]

thanks. please post a pic because im a bit confused on what you are talking about...

 

[Elvenhome21]

http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2918705070090774303BKjEzw

general exclaims are very good cheap tires
more than likely they mill have a problem with open exhaust, but go to fleet farm and get a straight threw muffler for $20 and then they cant say much

Springs would be a good investment I made my coilover setup for $30
I ran 475lb springs in front if you arent running a rear sway bar 300lb in the rear work good
otherwise you can use spring clamps and use stock springs or twist in spacers with your drop springs, the only problem i ran into with my coilovers is when i went extreme with camber 5 degrees i had to run 2 spaces per wheel
http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2996352040090774303bZJHtb

 

[mavisky]

Keep in mind that SCCA has a strict rulebook that limits you to certain modification for certain classes.

Seeing the mods you've already done anything but the stickiest of tires will be a major disadvantage. I'd suggest ditching the setup you have now for at least a set of GC's and Koni's. I run the agx's on my setup at 1 front and 4 rear with Eibach Sportlines and a rear ST swaybar on full stiff. Modding the base of the struts in such a manner will limit the amount of tire you can run, I'd look into camber plates as 205's aren't going to cut it in whatever class they stick you in.

For now I'd worry about just getting out there and getting seat time. That'll gain you more time than almost any mod you can do.

 

[dnhieu]

thanks guys. i have never done autoX before manily because i didnt want to put this much abuse on the AWD (daily driver) before. but since i have no money in this thing i want to give her hell. i guess first taking it to the autoX course is the first step and seeing if i can improve on that is the next. im not out there to be the best or anything but just to cut loose and have fun. it would be nice to prove i can do it tho since i have always wanted to do it....


thanks for all the advise guys
david...

 

[Ludachris]

As Kyle said, just go out and get seat time for now before making any changes or adjustments. If you're serious about being competitive there are plenty of suggestions on suspension setups, as the setup you have right now isn't the greatest setup for autox. I'd suggest Konis and Ground Control at a minimum. But again, that's later. For now, just go get some practice so you can tell how inferior your setup really is

 

[Rx3]

Before you start making modifications, go download the GCR from the SCCA's website. Look at the different classes your car fits in, and how modifications will change it's class. Get some seat time and then decide which direction you want to go.



Check this link out, it's a good general info/starting point for what you want to do:

Autocross.dsm.org

 

[dnhieu]

As Kyle said, just go out and get seat time for now before making any changes or adjustments. If you're serious about being competitive there are plenty of suggestions on suspension setups, as the setup you have right now isn't the greatest setup for autox. I'd suggest Konis and Ground Control at a minimum. But again, that's later. For now, just go get some practice so you can tell how inferior your setup really is

thanks for all the help again guys. you guys cant tell me that this car wont handle better then my stock suspension awd tho. its gotta handle better then that thing!

 

[D_Eclipse9916]

just enjoy it. Seriously, thats what autocross is all about. You wont know if you want to stay in autocross or go to Road Racing or go back to drag without doing it 3-4 times at least. Ive done about twenty something autocrosses and thought I would stay, but its time to move on and ive fell in love with road racing. Do it a few times before you decide, otherwise you may build your car for the wrong part of racing.