Went to my first AutoX in ATL last Sunday. What a blast. I managed to drop my time from a 70.2 to a 66.03 in 4 runs and I didn't get a DNF once, even though I was sure it was going to happen! I was pretty happy with my times, since most SM/STS ITRs were running ~61s, and I was less than 1 second behind another novice in a GSR that seemed to be a pretty good driver(for a novice ).

I'm definitely going to make a habit out of catching as much seat time as possible. I've already gone over my runs in my head and feel I could have dropped my time a few seconds with alot of practice.

It also took me a while to sort out my tire pressures and ended up on 47F/32R. Anymore in the rear and my car was extremely tailhappy, any less in the front and it would push. It was also painfully apparent that my tires(Bridgestone RE71's) were more up to the task than my mostly stock 3G Integra suspension(front and rear upper strut bars plus a 19mm rear swaybar).

I also experienced a repeating *thud* in long sweepers that I could feel throughout my car. I think this was my front tires rolling over and then "rubber-banding" back because more pressure(47psi) caused this to stop for all but this really tight off-camber hairpin. The same hairpin also seemed to cause my front suspension to completely bottom out(at least I think, pretty much neutral to uncorrectable understeer). So after this season is over, maybe I'll get some H&R OE Sports plus some adjustable shocks since my swaybar already puts me in STS(I think?).

So onto the questions.

1. I would like to buy my own helmet, but have no idea how much they cost. I guess I should be looking at a SA-95 or SA-00? I'm also pretty tall, and had to pretty much stick my helmet underneath the sunroof the whole run. So if there is any way to get a helmet that didn't stick up as high above my head but still provided the same protection, that'd be great.

2. Is it OK to put more pressure in my front tires. 47psi seems really high, but they were pretty hot after those runs. It didn't seem like they were rolling over that much, but I feel I could benefit from maybe 2psi more up there.

3. I'm not really sure what to do on the modification side of things. I have a feeling I don't have any chance of being competitive in any classes with a non-VTEC Integra, and my mods already put me in a higher class. I'm not sure if I could stand going back to the stock suspension just to compete in the stock class, and I don't think I'll be competitive until I get alot more time under my belt. So any suggestions on what to do or not do to my car?

4. Any other advice to improve my times besides more seat time? I'd especially like to hear any suggestions on how to cheaply get some more roll stiffness in the front. Bouncing off the bumpstops during a whole hairpin was not fun.


Sorry for the length, just really excited about actually being able to DRIVE my car. I just hope I don't have to eat too much Ramen to support my new addiction!

 

Hahhaha welcome to the dark side.

So onto the answers

> 1. I would like to buy my own helmet, but have no idea how much they cost. I guess I should be looking at a SA-95 or SA-00? I'm also pretty tall, and had to pretty much stick my helmet underneath the sunroof the whole run. So if there is any way to get a helmet that didn't stick up as high above my head but still provided the same protection, that'd be great.

SA2000 is what you will only be able to buy new. Open face (M) works fine and is the cheapest, as long as you have no intention of doing track days it'll be fine for autox. They usually run from $90 - $120... If you have borrowed someones helmet and know the size you need, you can buy one on line. I don't have a link handy but I think it's someplace like http://www.helmetcity.com If you need to see one in person, any motorcycle shop will have them.

> 2. Is it OK to put more pressure in my front tires. 47psi seems really high, but they were pretty hot after those runs. It didn't seem like they were rolling over that much, but I feel I could benefit from maybe 2psi more up there.

It's fine for short periods of time when auto-xing. Just don't forget to bleed it off to regular pressures before you leave to go home. I've had my stock tires up to 60psi. for runs. Also remember, check your pressures after each run. Street tires tend to heat up a bit after running and the pressure will increase. Once you're at a pressure you feel is doing the best job, bleed off the pressure after the run to your 'optimum' pressure.

> 3. I'm not really sure what to do on the modification side of things. I have a feeling I don't have any chance of being competitive in any classes with a non-VTEC Integra, and my mods already put me in a higher class. I'm not sure if I could stand going back to the stock suspension just to compete in the stock class, and I don't think I'll be competitive until I get alot more time under my belt. So any suggestions on what to do or not do to my car?

At this stage in the game, it's about you and your driving abaility. Don't concern yourself with mods just yet. Seat time is REALLY important at this stage. You need to learn to read the course, look ahead, and just concentrate on your driving. Once you're really comfortable, then you can play with the mods. And then the learning process continues, with the mods, what's happening with the car? It's a constant evolution "as you become one with your car". Save your $$ and take a driving school. But if you have miney to burn some replacement struts (not springs) would be a good starting point, and some good tires too.

> 4. Any other advice to improve my times besides more seat time? I'd especially like to hear any suggestions on how to cheaply get some more roll stiffness in the front. Bouncing off the bumpstops during a whole hairpin was not fun.

That's one bumpy hairpin.... if you're bouncing off the bump stops, are your struts blown? In stock you cannot touch springs. Only struts.

> Sorry for the length, just really excited about actually being able to DRIVE my car. I just hope I don't have to eat too much Ramen to support my new addiction!

Ahhh Ramen... the food of the gods.

--kC

 

First of all congrats You're not a virgin anymore

1. I would like to buy my own helmet, but have no idea how much they cost. I guess I should be looking at a SA-95 or SA-00? I'm also pretty tall, and had to pretty much stick my helmet underneath the sunroof the whole run. So if there is any way to get a helmet that didn't stick up as high above my head but still provided the same protection, that'd be great.

I got my M2000 helmet full face (Arai) for $100. $20 for the smoked face shield. For you being too tall just put your seat back one notch. I have to do that once in awhile. I have a harness so I tug down tight on the shoulders which shrinks me down.

2. Is it OK to put more pressure in my front tires. 47psi seems really high, but they were pretty hot after those runs. It didn't seem like they were rolling over that much, but I feel I could benefit from maybe 2psi more up there.

I would use some chalk on your tires to see if they are rolling over too much.

3. I'm not really sure what to do on the modification side of things. I have a feeling I don't have any chance of being competitive in any classes with a non-VTEC Integra, and my mods already put me in a higher class. I'm not sure if I could stand going back to the stock suspension just to compete in the stock class, and I don't think I'll be competitive until I get alot more time under my belt. So any suggestions on what to do or not do to my car?

Well what mods do you have now?

4. Any other advice to improve my times besides more seat time? I'd especially like to hear any suggestions on how to cheaply get some more roll stiffness in the front. Bouncing off the bumpstops during a whole hairpin was not fun.

Novice school or Evolution school will shave precious time for you.

 

Thanks for the replies.

As for mods, I already have front and rear upper strut bars and a 19mm rear swaybar. Everything else is stock. Oh, and 205/50-15 Bridgestone Potenza RE71's. Sticky and loud.

I have a 98 Integra GS, so the stock suspension has even more body roll since the stock rear swaybar is only 12mm versus the 13mm GSR rear bar. So the GSR bar is 27% stiffer(stiffness=D^4). I think front spring rates are 212lb/in and the rears are a whopping 117lb/in. Stock shocks with 47k miles on them, so not alot of wear, but Atlanta roads have been working them over lately.

I managed to get my car feeling pretty neutral towards the end, but the tail always feels 1 step away from coming around on me. In fact, a run with 36psi in the rear tires had me doing 4 wheel drifts through most of the course. Fun, but definitely not fast or controlled.

I'm well aware that I should not mod my car until I get comfortable with it, but I have been thinking about where I want to "go" with it. I just don't want to say, "I don't have a chance in hell of being competitive, so I'll just do a few mods here and there." Then end up in STS and really want to be competitive, and either looking at alot more $$$ to have a chance, or having to sell a bunch of stuff to get back to stock class. I'm in the novice class for now, and will probably be for the rest of the season(only like 6 more events I think), so no pressure to get somewhere now, but I like to plan ahead.

Basically, does a non-VTEC 3G Integra have a chance in hell of even placing in the top 5 of a fairly competitive STS class. Seems there are a bunch of 2.5RS's here in ATL, which I could see completely ripping me apart even once I get my driving down pat.

What stock class would I be in? H-stock?

Thanks for the welcome guys. Can't wait for that next feeling of anticipation at the starting line.