Ok, I i've done drag racing, and its ok, but I've always wanted to do more. And after the NorCal weekend meet and talkin to all the guys there, I became more interested in racing auto-x. I read some forums already and got some basic knowledge. But I still need a few more things cleared up, and some questions answered.

My car is a 96 CX hatchback. Stock shocks, with 4" adj. Got Si rims, with no tires. No other mods to car. except intake, exhaust

Things I need cleared up/questions:
-Do I need racing seats w/ 3 or 4 point Harness?
-Do I need to bring spare set of tires when auto-x?
-What tires should I buy for my Si's?
-What suspension should I get from my daily driven/auto-x car? and why?
-Any mods I SHOULD look into, or should consider.
-WHERE in cali do I auto-x and there websites if possible
-Anything I should know

-In one month I will be aquiring 3000 bucks. I was thinking of swapping out the CX motor and do a b16 transplant. Should I save it for auto-x mods or swap it?

If you can help me in any way, it would be greatly appriciated

-jesse



[Modified by ransack, 6:37 PM 7/29/2002]

 

Some common responses to your question :

1) don't spend a cent on the car just learn how to drive it first.
2) spend the money on an autocross school.

My thoughts :

Idea 1 :
- Remove the Intake and you will have a stock legal car. Get some tires (Azenis to learn on first because they're cheap). then maybe upgrade to Kumho v700s once you "Learn to drive". This will also give you time to figure out what class you want to be in.
- Take a drivers school.
- Get lots of practice!
- have fun!

Idea 2 :
- I would suggest STS based on what you already have done. you will be a little undersprepared but that will be case in any class you go into. In addition you don't need DOT race tires to be competitive in STS and DOT race tires can get expensive.

- Get a good street tire. I suggest falken Azenis.

- Harness is not need but is very nice to keep you in your seat. Its alot easier to drive accuratly if you're not holding on to the wheel or get sucked into the passenger seat.

- Spares tires are not needed... though people running DOT race tires change them onsite or trailer the car.

- If you run STS I suggest the azenis (they're cheap and VERY good for autocross).

I'm gonna leave off these bottom responses for a little while... stay tuned!


[Modified by Watkinsm3, 10:50 AM 7/29/2002]

 

- You do not need anything other than an operable seatbelt and a Snell helmet to run autox
- Initially, I would recommend running on the tires you daily drive on. Having a spare set of rims is a luxury that is unnecessary until you get serious about the sport.
-None, see above.
-No suspension at first, run the car as is. You will make up more seconds improving the driver than ANY car mod will EVER do for you.
- None, see above.
-As for places in Cali, others will have to answer that.

As for the $3000, if you can stand it, I would hold off on the engine swap. If you like autox, I GUARANTEE your money priorities will change and you'll find other, more relevant, things to spend the money on.

All IMO, of course

 

Shouldn't I upgrade some small suspension mods before learning and driving it more. That way I can adjust to them? You know, get to know how it handle with better suspension. Currently im running on stock shocks and some 4" adj.

EDIT: I just read the above post, so i'll start praticing. But I would like a better suspension set-up, I don't like the ones I have now. Any recommendations?

One other thing. I know this is whacked, but as far as practicing, I should have no fears of rolling or total lose of control. If I have an open space, and lose control, ill just spin out right?!

[Modified by ransack, 6:58 PM 7/29/2002]


[Modified by ransack, 7:01 PM 7/29/2002]

 

stock shocks, & ITR springs

yeah, just learn how to drive the car, then you'll know what you'll want to do.

 

ok sounds kewl...ill look into getting some Falkens for my Si rims. Check out some driving schools (any recommendations). And practicing my driving skills. Now where to practice.....

 

Practicing on the street is not advisable! Some organizations have novice days that they hold periodically just for people new to autocrossing. But all you really have to do is go and have fun, and don't expect to beat anybody. I finished close to dead last at my last (second) Autocross

Also, I don't think anyone mentioned that most events have loaner helmets, so I wouldn't invest in one of your own until you decide to get serious. Check before hand to make sure as some events DO require you to bring your own.

 

You're in tracy, so the closest Autox would probably be in sacramento. Round 5&6 was just held over this past weekend. The next one will be on aug 17,18th at McClellan(sp?) AFB.

Check out: http://www.sfrscca.org/solo2/index.html for directions and info. Loaner helmets are available on a first come first serve basis, so just come early or borrow a friend's motorcycle helmet. Doing an Engine Swap will put you in a crazy class. If possible, run in sts on Falks AZs.

most of all, just come out and have fun!

Le

 

What class what I be in. All I have done to my car is a AEM Style Intake, and a cannister exhaust. and well lowering. is that the STS class?

 

I believe by SCCA rules you will be in STS

 

I believe there is an autocross track in San Diego. What part of California are you from?

 

Good post I have the same questions. Any schools in SoCal?

 

yea, that should take a whole 5 seconds to decide

just go have fun your first few times. then you will be looking for the devil himself to sign your soul away, to support your new found addiction

 

I'm in NorCal. I'm going to try and goto the Auto-X up in Sacramento in august. Any school in NorCal I can take before I go?

 

They hold auto-x in Atwater at the old castle afb... http://www.autocross.com from there find the fresno chapter, should be pretty close to you -rob