Autocross Experts: Advice getting started?

brtnstrns · Jan 23, 2012

Was wondering what it takes to get involved in autocrossing. I'm definitely more of a fan of the twisty turny driving as opposed to straight line races. I'm not terribly concerned with actually competing against other people (at least initially I guess). Whats it take to get started?

From what I've read so far, a lot of people suggest starting with a stock vehicle. I've currently got H&R SS springs, bilsteins, CC plates, and Short-throw shifter. I'd like to get some FLSFCs relatively soon. Would these mods keep me in the lower classes of racing?

I've got leather seats and normal 3-point seat belts - not sure if I'll be too busy being thrown around the inside of the car to do any good actually driving. Anyone race with the typical seats/belts?

I just got new FR500s and tires for the car and would obviously not want to ruin those through beating the crap out of them so I'm wondering if stock wheels are a safe option for the amount of turning involved. The tires on my stock wheels have a little tread left but would probably get run through pretty quickly in a day of autocrossing (I'd assume) so are there decent tires for stock wheels?

I also live in the Dallas area, if anyone knows of where to start looking to get involved in the scene.

Thanks in advance for any info!

Night Shifter · Jan 23, 2012

H&r's are great for auto x...subframes are absolutely needed as well...definitely look into rear lower control arms....ones with adjustable spring perches would be best since you can set the corner weight better but normal ones will do... not having a crap ton of engine mods will keep you in the lower classes of auto x as well..

It really depends how far you want to go....do you want a street car that does occasional auto x events or a track car that you drive on the street?

Mostly you will stay in the lower classes without coilovers but once you get into panhard bars and torque arms and coilovers you'll occasionally get out in the advanced classes.... before cams I was running the suspension mods in my sig....with lower control arms and I was still in the novice classes....now since im running cams I get placed in higher classes with this car...

Im not an expert but I do occasionally run scca events in a full race Volkswagen rabbit...my phone is being a tard and wont let me post the pics of it on here...gimmie a bit and may've it'll cooperate...

Basic suspension mods should keep you in the novice class...just so go sway bar crazy because that is the last suspension mod you should do because it tunes the suspension setup

bhuff30 · Jan 23, 2012

First thing you need to do is open up a rule book. The modifications you have done already will probably throw you into at least street prepared (just a guess, hence read the rulebook). As I recall, subframe connectors throw you into even higher classes.

Starting out, don't expect to be competitive at all. Also, you would be better off starting with a bone stock car to learn the basics. Besides, it is a ton of fun to learn what you are doing, then feel the way the car reacts and the way your times change with modification. You would be surprised how often things that should help you out actually have little effect or even make the car worse.

A dedicated set of wheels and tires would be a good idea. You'll want at least good soft summer tires, and in some classes, a DOT competition tire. That will keep the wear off your street tires (which depending on your location should be all seasons).

Again, find a rule book, choose a class and stick with it. Have fun, and realize the camaros will still kick your ass (factory panhard bars help).

Night Shifter · Jan 23, 2012

Finally got it to work...

sneaky98gt · Jan 23, 2012

Two things needed for a decent autox car:

1. Tires.
2. Experience.

It really is that simple. Those two things can make dang near any car go fast at an autox event.

Kornnut · Jan 23, 2012

Make sure your car is up to par on the maintenance. The tires need to have enough tread and brakes should be in good order. Other then that go out and have fun. I hit up a few auto-x when I lived in VA and fell in love with it. Haven't been in DFW yet but I am itching to go.

brtnstrns · Jan 23, 2012

To answer the question:
Definitely a street car doing occasional auto-x and I know of a 3 mile track about 30 minutes away that does track days every month, so some of that as well.

Like I said, I'm really not going to care about being competitive or if every other car out there kicks my ass. I just want to do some fun driving. I've got a days worth of experience driving around a 3 1/2 mile, 15 turn track (granted I was in an Audi A4 Quattro), so I understand the basic idea behind approaching a race course. Like I said, basic understanding, I know a different car will react differently than what I was driving and especially in the tight turns of an autocross track so essentially I don't know jack, but at least its something.

My greatest concern: can the stock 17 inch wheels handle the abuse of the racing? Since I've got new wheels, I've got these sitting around and if I can have a purpose for them, that'd be awesome.

PS: That VW looks like a whole hell of a lot of fun.

Night Shifter · Jan 23, 2012

Thanks....its a ton of fun...not the fastest thing on the planet but hella light and handles insanely good....

17 's are fine...the perfect auto x wheel tire set up is running 17x9's with 275 40's all the way around

txredgt · Jan 23, 2012

There is a centex svt club meet at bunny hill in San Marcos coming up in a month or so. All day private event on the track with someone who trains you if you need it. I think it's 150 for the whole day but it's not going to be too many people as its a private event. Let me know if u want some more info as I'm not sure if all the spots are full or not.

brtnstrns · Jan 24, 2012

txredgt said:
There is a centex svt club meet at bunny hill in San Marcos coming up in a month or so. All day private event on the track with someone who trains you if you need it. I think it's 150 for the whole day but it's not going to be too many people as its a private event. Let me know if u want some more info as I'm not sure if all the spots are full or not.

I appreciate the info. I probably won't be able to make it down to San Marcos by then but if anything changes I'll let you know. Thanks

TylerByers18 · Jan 24, 2012

I live in the DFW area what track are you going to for the event?

brtnstrns · Jan 24, 2012

TylerByers18 said:
I live in the DFW area what track are you going to for the event?

I have no idea, I was hoping to get some good info on where to look for events in the area.

TylerByers18 · Jan 24, 2012

I know about drift events in mineral wells

BurningRubber · Jan 25, 2012

I also HIGHLY suggest using the stock wheels. They are much lighter than the aftermarket wheels and will take the abuse just fine. I do, however, suggest not using a 275 tire on the stock wheel... it will bulge and cause the tires to roll over in the corner and understeer. I think the stock 245/45 would be right, or maybe a 255/40. These cars understeer as it is unless you try to steer with the throttle. No sense in making it worse. I'd keep that set as a dedicated set of auto-x tires... you'll go through them fast and used tires are your friend!

I'd get the car relatively stiff. The lower your center of gravity, the better and you already have a good set of springs. Definitely full length subframes and at least better lower control arms. Coilovers would be ideal, but that's expensive to do right and maybe not worth it over a good set of springs and adjustable shocks/struts.

As mentioned, your mods will dictate the class you'll be placed in. Your first time (or first few times) out you can run the novice class, but if you sign up with the SCCA you'll get placed into a class depending on what is done to your car. Doing too much can really handicap you and place you with other vehicles that have similar modifications, but are WAY, WAY better platforms for an autocross vehicle. Mustangs SUCK for autocross without a lot of work unless it's a newer body style with a trak-pac or some suspension work.

I've run my car through 5-6 events and just recently I ran my brothers Civic hatch at an SCCA event. It's UNREAL the difference between an '88 Civic and a Mustang and how they handle. That little Civic will run circles around my car all day long and all that's done is a stiffer rear swaybar, coilovers, and stickier tires. It's nuts... it will lift the inner rear wheel on a hard corner and you can basically throw the car around any way you want.

Not saying a Mustang can't be competitive, but it's not the ideal platform. Just be prepared to get your ass whooped by older, smaller, underpowered cars that couldn't manage to pass a turtle on the highway.

That being said... it's fun as hell and really helps you as a driver.

TylerByers18 · Jan 26, 2012

Goo

BurningRubber said:
I also HIGHLY suggest using the stock wheels. They are much lighter than the aftermarket wheels and will take the abuse just fine. I do, however, suggest not using a 275 tire on the stock wheel... it will bulge and cause the tires to roll over in the corner and understeer. I think the stock 245/45 would be right, or maybe a 255/40. These cars understeer as it is unless you try to steer with the throttle. No sense in making it worse. I'd keep that set as a dedicated set of auto-x tires... you'll go through them fast and used tires are your friend!

I'd get the car relatively stiff. The lower your center of gravity, the better and you already have a good set of springs. Definitely full length subframes and at least better lower control arms. Coilovers would be ideal, but that's expensive to do right and maybe not worth it over a good set of springs and adjustable shocks/struts.

As mentioned, your mods will dictate the class you'll be placed in. Your first time (or first few times) out you can run the novice class, but if you sign up with the SCCA you'll get placed into a class depending on what is done to your car. Doing too much can really handicap you and place you with other vehicles that have similar modifications, but are WAY, WAY better platforms for an autocross vehicle. Mustangs SUCK for autocross without a lot of work unless it's a newer body style with a trak-pac or some suspension work.

I've run my car through 5-6 events and just recently I ran my brothers Civic hatch at an SCCA event. It's UNREAL the difference between an '88 Civic and a Mustang and how they handle. That little Civic will run circles around my car all day long and all that's done is a stiffer rear swaybar, coilovers, and stickier tires. It's nuts... it will lift the inner rear wheel on a hard corner and you can basically throw the car around any way you want.

Not saying a Mustang can't be competitive, but it's not the ideal platform. Just be prepared to get your ass whooped by older, smaller, underpowered cars that couldn't manage to pass a turtle on the highway.

That being said... it's fun as hell and really helps you as a driver.

good stuff man

Shiroelex · Jan 30, 2012

I would have to imagine swapping your solid axle out for a Cobra IRS would help the car immensely.

Autocross Experts: Advice getting started?

brtnstrns

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