Next mod step for autocross???

[cait sith]

Here's my number seven, which you probably won't like: Do a 5 speed conversion.

 

[ecugrad]

Here is my suggestion:

- Spend $200 and take the Phase I Evolution Autocross school. Evolution Autox School

- Spend the rest of your dough on good street tires (Kuhmo MX) and good brake pads (Carbotech Bobcats).

- If you have the dough left, a set of Koni Yellows would be my ONLY suspension mod.

- Join the DSMAutox Yahoo! Group, read the archives tell your eyes bleed.


Learn to drive the car first, trust me its much easier to learn how to autox with a stock car.

 

[dsm81]

Since autocrossing DSMs are a rare breed, I’ll try my best to help. There was also a small discussion about solo II in the track forum.

http://www.dsmtuners.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=72986

Since we’re talking about making the car better, the becoming a better driver part is kind of irrelevant, although still quite valid. However, a good rule if you really want to become good at autox is to never sacrifice running events in order to “save up” to modify the car. Seat time will get make you faster than the best turbo, brakes, and suspension put together that you can find, period. Everything relating to car mods here assumes everything else being equal.

Tires: They can make the single biggest difference in your times if you get R compounds. Although some people drive on those on the street, you’ll get only about 5-8K miles out of them. Either that or get another set of rims. The next best thing to doing that is to just get a set of really good street tires next time you buy tires. I’ve been running Azenis right now and they are one of the best/stickiest street tires out there (in the autox community as well). The Kumho MX is also right up there.

Suspension: Getting your car to rotate is most important and can be done several ways. Either by stiffer springs or by larger sway bars (the rear especially). If you want a softer ride, run less spring and larger aftermarket bars. You don’t mind a stiffer ride (I prefer it this way), run stiffer springs with less bar. A cheap way to get better turn in is to dial some toe out in the front. I don’t run more than 1/16th to 1/8th total. I used to run more, but it only wears out the inside of the tires VERY fast.

Brakes: Pads make a HUGE difference. I have the 2 piston caliper factory system and the brakes were horrible compared to other cars I drove. It was definitely my car’s weak point up until a week ago when I upgraded the brakes. Now the car just stands on its nose and pedal feel is great. Cheap pads make up a large part of having bad brakes.

Power: Probably the least important in autox, unless we’re talking really big improvements. For autox, a VERY good setup is to just free up the turbo back exhaust and intake and run the T25. Its non existent lag is great for autox, where you’re rarely in the top end above 6K. Out of the affordable turbos, the T28 is by far the best autox upgrade IMO. Same lag as the T25 but delivers the same punch at 11 psi as my T25 did at 16. While at 16, there is a very nice difference. Not only that but it’s a very *usable* difference that you feel without having to wait for 3 seconds at wot for anything to happen, or be at 4.5K+ rpms. You are at wot quite often during an autox run, but they happen in relatively short bursts before entering the next corner. All a larger turbo is going to do is lag you on the short straights and finally build boost by the time you need to make the next turn.

It’s up to you what you wish to do to your car. Since we’re talking of such mods, it’s a given then that you have no problem running in Street Mod. I used to run STX with the talon, but recently I also switched to SM simply because I like being able to upgrade just about anything on the car to make it a better and more fun car to drive anywhere. Check out what I’ve done to it so far in the profile. Good luck and have fun!

 

[husterka]

Thanks for all of the opinions. As to the question: "Am I dead set on Autocross???", no I am not. I am just not that interested in ripping my car down the quarter. I live out in the country and I love to fly down the windy roads. I also want to try out Autocross but I don't want to turn my car into a full race car. It still has to be my daily driver in the summer.

Keep the helpful tips coming!!!

 

[Siberian]

Originally posted by husterka
I also want to try out Autocross but I don't want to turn my car into a full race car. It still has to be my daily driver in the summer.

I'm sure it's been mentioned, but keep in mind there are a zillion classes in SCCA autox. You don't have to modify your call at all to be somewhat competitive in stock classes at local levels - though having R compound tires helps. A LOT, . Most people mount em on a set of cheapo wheels and bolt em on at the course.

Otherwise, you have to check what's allowable for each class before choosing mods - IF you're main goal is to be competitive.

But for the most part, autox is more about having fun and learning how to DRIVE your car than how to modify it for more power. IMHO of course...

And if you want to explore your car's handling limits in a higher-speed environment, check out your local car clubs for "track events" held at the local road courses. NOW we're talking fun <g>. No mods required, though sport brake pads at LEAST should be added.

 

[husterka]

I actually looked into a 5-speed conversion... $$$$$$$$$!!!

You basically have to replace the entire car. It would be easier and cheaper for me just to sell my car and buy a 5-speed.

I was also curious if the DSMLink would help me much on my pretty much stock car? I mean would I be able to tune my car very much or should I wait until I have purchased a few major mods?

 

[Spdrcr7882]

I have autox'd before and seen what is a good setup and what is not. I used a frank jr. 19c, w/2.5 turbo back exhaust and on my first outting wiht my setup i got 3rd place outta 79 guys. And the two guys who beat me were using racing tires. I am using normal street tires. No one seems to like the frank jr. that much but I was able to humiliate many people with any car imaginable in autox. Coincidentally I am selling that setup as we speak
Justin

by the way I am not referring to 3rd in my class, that's with me in the most heavily modified class.

 

[tsunari]

Since you're doing this for AutoX, I would HIGHLY suggest getting front and rear antisway bars. http://www.rernetworking.com/rmdsm/