Autocross on a Budget

[CdnNavybob]

I'm looking to start autocrossing my currently stock 2000 GT but I only have $2500 that I can afford to spend on parts. First and foremeost, I'll be getting 4.10's and a Tri-Ax. After that I'm planning on either the MM Road and Track box or the MM Sport Box and some go fast goodies, probably headers, catted x-pipe and maybe some intake mods.

What would result in the best times in Solo II? The better handling or more power? The big seller for me on the R&T box is the LCAs. Popular opinion here seems to be that they make a huge difference in traction.

Also, does anyone here run coil overs? I'm interested to know if they're worth the money.

Thanks

 

[yellow2kgt]

Honestly, If you have a stock GT keep it that way for a while. The best mod you can do is practice. You could spend all that money on go fast parts and still get beat by stock hondas if you can't drive. Also by adding those mods you are going to be thrown into a different class where most of the drivers are VERY good. Trust me I learned the hard way. I added all of the parts to my car then decided I would try autoxing. It sucks getting beat by civics, miatas, volvo, etc... But, It is still a blast.

 

[john_324]

I'm with yellow. In SCCA Solo2, the classes are more or less set up so that you're either factory stock or you're heavily modded. Anywhere in between and you'll be less competitive. So if you want to win in the prepared classes(and you might not...plenty of peole, me included, race primarily against themselves), you'll have to go all the way on the mods to have a chance. Gets kinda expensive.

Are you an auto-x veteran? If so, my apologies, and If not, I'd agree that you're better off modding the driver at this point...auto-x, like any other kind of racing requires a specific skill set that's easy to acquire but hard to perfect.

And handling mods will probably make the most difference, but that can depend on the mindset of your course designers and the space available. If you're going to mod for Solo2 handling, do adjustable dampers, lowering springs and subframe connectors first. That'll give you most bang-for-the-buck.

 

[CdnNavybob]

Either way I go, I'll wind up in the Super Stock class. I've never raced before, this is just where I'd like to be for a starting point. There's not alot of racing in Eastern Canada so I doubt there would be alot of competition. As much as I'd love to go to a driving school, the closest one is the BMW driver training in Toronto, a couple days drive away.

I really don't care about winning, I just want to get my car out on the track and beat myself. As long as I can out out and improve my times each run I'll be satisfied.

Thanks for the advice.

 

[Sinewave]

Take that money and buy:

1. A rule book (comes with SCCA membership)
2. A second set of rims
3. A set of Hoosier DOT race tires
4. A helmet
5. A good seat belt harness

If you mod to the next class, you'll have to do almost all mods allowed in that class to be competative. Be smart, know what mods are allowed before you do them.

 

[Charles Smiley]

4:10s in autocross??? You just made 1st gear worthless. Keep the stock ratio it's not drag racing. You can navigate most courses just using second gear if the car is a torquey V8. Do what Sinewave said and observe everything you can at events. IMHO