testify

So, I’ve got two years of autocross (40 events) under my belt driving an ’07 Impreza N/A on Street Tires, I’m in no way a great driver, but I don’t suck (at least that’s what I tell myself).

I just bought an ’07 Civic SI sedan and although I’m not looking to “get serious” with the car, I’d like to ‘build it right the first time’ and run it in GS or STX.

I’m going to be using the car as a commuter as well so that will dictate how crazy I can get with the build. Although- after this winter, I will not have to drive it in the snow, so I can get crazy with the spring rates, etc., in 2011 if I have to.

I searched and I haven’t found any threads dedicated to building out the FA5 for SCCA autocross classes. If I searched negligently and missed dedicated threads, I apologize- please direct me to the threads and lock this one.

Is there a formula for this car? I realize that this car is not nationally competitive in STX or GS, but there is surely some fun to be had regionally.
I suppose installing a set of Koni Yellows and A6’s and calling it built would suffice (especially at my level), but I want to do this right.

So what do I run, what do I buy, how do I set it up, and how do I drive it? I built my Impreza to love Lift Off Oversteer, and although my ignorance leads me to suspect that the SI would like the same thing, I’m a total n00b when it comes to FWD.


Forgive my n00bness about these cars and this great sport…


-Thanks

dirty19

iTrader: (1)

I dont think we have seen any civics that new with any kind of build here...
You might be a first.

tronic

If you like body roll and buying Hoosier A6's and swapping them on at events, try GS.

If you like your daily driver a little "sportier" with some stiffer springs, lowered, and like rolling around town on 140-200treadwear street tires, try STX.

I would guess you'd be a bit more competitive in GS than STX, but personally I'd rather drive an STX-trim car. I love my DD ST-trim EM1.

testify

Well, I think my SI is a perfect DD as it is right now. And I was faster on the stock struts/springs, a big f****** rear sway bar, and street tires than I was with off the shelf coilovers, a big f****** rear sway bar, and street tires.

That + watching some stock class cars run circles around their 'built' counterparts when course conditions were not ideal, has led me to believe that there is some great potential in soft spring/damper rates (as long as you can keep the car shiny side up).

uniseriate

For general information, I would take a look at Dennis Grant's online text on autocrossing. I wouldn't take everything he says as gospel, but I think it is a good starting point for further study.

If you could, please respond back sometime on what you find works and what does not. There seems to be a dearth of information out there on newer Civics. One thing in particular that would be illuminating is how the rear suspension of the current generation Civic compares to the last generation in a competitive environment. RealTime Racing had to heavily revise the rear suspension of the RSXes they used in the World Touring Car Championship. I know that Honda made the following changes to the rear suspension, but are they enough to address the issues RTR found?

bsmith100

I think you might get more responses if you post this in the "2006-current Civic" section.

bsmith100

Then why not run the G Stock class? You won't have to change anything except for the shocks.

Shinny

I ran in a stock sedan 99 Ex on all weathers for two years in ST. I can tell you that just leaving it stock will teach you a lot about driving really quick. FWD is a lot of fun for autox Left foot braking is a major advantage in FWD over AWD and RWD. If you're serious about learning car control I'd say stay stock on street tires until you start running the same times every event and have people you know are good drive your car often as a comparison. If you're just looking for a cone dodging civic to play with on the weekends go STX and get some suspension parts. As far as brand it really is personal style. There may be one racing line on a track but there's a million different ways to get a car to drive that line. Try riding with or even driving cars with different setups. I just bought a CRX and I've been riding and driving the other 2 in my region to get ideas on which way I should go with mine.

RED_90TEG

already started building my buddys 4 door si.. and the car feels like a cady when its stock.. get coilovers and a huge rear sway bar .. and by the way the electronic throttle if you have the model with that totally sux ! good luck have fun be safe!

testify

I made this thread quite hastily and with careful thought- I've decided that GS is the way I will go.

Two questions....

Is there a bigger aftermarket bar than the 32mm offered by most aftermarket companies (not that I believe there is a performance gain to be had by surpassing the 32mm, with the LSD, i would assume that a massive FSB becomes unneccessary- and may in fact hurt my times- please post theories, suggestions, etc....just curious...)


What is the largest size A6 I can fit on the car?
My eyball guestimation looks like a 245 is no problem (and larger seems possible), but in reality, its just a shot in the dark....



Thanks


-Ken

JBrettHowell

You know that you cannot make changes to the rear sway bar in stock category, right? Or spring rates, or ride height.

testify

Okay...

I'll humor you....

I can somewhat grasp where you are coming from since I made references to the fact that I do not want to destroy this cars DD ability and I had a Big ****ing Rear Swaybar on my previous autox car.....but....I am not a


ratard...






I did not make this thread for a 'clarification' of the SCCA autox rules...



I'm simply curious as to whether someone has already built 'this car' to one of these 'classes' specs and maybe has a bit of 'feedback' as to what works and what doesn't.






Edit: And you DO realize that i was referring to the FSB in my previous post right? Reading Comprehension is your friend...

JBrettHowell

Hey, no problem. You can be assured I will not bother you with any attempts to be helpful in the future.

testify

Good to know, since you have made no attempts to be helpful in the past.



*smoooches*


edit: I'll give you another benefit of the doubt- what class is alteration of ride height/spring rates and Rear Sway Bar diameter legal legal in the FA5 Brett?

JBrettHowell

I won't bother to humor you because you are clearly an:

meb58

I think Brett's repsonse left nothing to chance for someone asking for advice. Sarcasm is a useful tool but seldom in an open exchange, and helpful, evironment. ...sadly, I might have been able to help you...

testify

Jeez! 40 events and 2 years worth of rulebooks later and it's expected that it should have been "left to chance" Whiskey Tango Foxtrot!!!



Say what you want guys....


I've re-read and re-read all my posts in this thread and at no time did I post something that implied that I needed a lesson in the 'Stock Class SCCA Autocross Rules'



Hate me if you must, but when I am treated like a fool, I react. It's natural unless you are a...

testify

meb58

We're not blaming you, we're blaming your sarcasm. Go back and read post #11 and then your reply in post #12...if you think that was a good reply then good luck on your quest.

We've technically just met you and we know nothing about you...except that you can be sarcastic. In such an environment - these threads - it is better to drop little unoffensive hints about your back ground and knowledge so that others can feel safe making a recommendation. I have a motto in life...it is not enough to be understood, never be misunderstood. And that means asking a question 3 times or sideways or upside down...only then will I likely get the result I want. The unfortunate side affect is that I have to ask a lot of questions and listen to a lot of questions and suggestions. But then, my quest will have satisfied my desired outcome.

testify

I re-read post #11

and i've re-read what I've posted in post #12


RE-READ post #1 if you are confused about my background in SCCA autox.

(and read the whole thread if you are still confused)






And if I've got to ask the question 3 times on this forum- than I am undoubtedly on the wrong forum....


READING COMPREHENSION IS YOUR FRIEND!




edit: Golf Clap for looking dumber than Brett....

The Destroyer

Cool pic thread. OP is a...



Edit: Go ahead and get the fattest tire possible, and hope that with oem offset wheels it clear suspension/chassis components.

meb58

I think you are on the wrong forum. You blasted Brett and all he did was try to help...nobody attacked you or made fun of your quest...

My suggestion...keep it stock and learn to drive it stock. The End