Hey guys. I havent posted in this forum before...
I have tried a search but nothing informative came up so here goes... Does anyone here roadrace or time trial prelude sh's? I know they are heavy, but thats what i have and seeing as how i am in college i cant really sell it or do anything hybrid, cause i need a car and can only afford one... with that said, i would like to get into this sport and my friend that do it have type-r's and turbo crx and civics. They tell me to sell my car and get something lighter..... is it worth trying to race it or are they right? any help would be greatly appreciated.

 

as a novice the best thing to drive is whatever you've got since you're comfortable in it.

Then learn from there.....

 

Yeah, thats what i figured, I am working on finishing the suspension now.
Also i would like to thank you for that post you had with all the links about this subject
i spent almost all day looking at them and got some great ideas and also figured out what to spend money on first I would have replied to that and thanked you but it was locked...

 

Well, if you want to learn how to drive just drive the car as is, and dont worry about modifying or making it faster.

After a season or so getting instructed by experienced drivers, riding with them, and having them drive your car you will have a better idea of what you want to drive and what class you want to build the car for.

 

ahh yes, I keep forgetting about the class restrictions. Thanks again

 

I don't road race or do time trials, but I do autocross my SH.

The SH isn't really competitive in stock class (D-stock), where it goes up against the Type R, BMW 3-series, Subaru WRX, and IS300. At the local level, that may not matter, since the driver can overcome some of the disadvantages. At the national level, that's an entire different story, since everyone there is a top-notch driver.

The main flaws of the SH:
-weight, 3042 curb weight is a lot of flab
-power steering lag which cuts out during quick left-right transitions. You'll learn to anticipate this. Start lifting weights
-lack of camber, sucks for tire wear since it chews up the outside of the tire

Some advantages:
-ATTS, it's not quite as effective as a true LSD, but it sure is better than having an open diff.
-torquey (this is relative to the smaller displacement VTEC motors).

Lightly modded SH's go into STX, which is a street tire class. Check the faq for a link to the rules to find out what you can and can't do.


Like RJ pointed out, when you're starting out, the best thing to do is not tinker with the car. Just drive it! When you're a newbie, you're going to be well off the pace, so it doesn't matter what your driving. It's going to take a while to get familiar with autoX. Seat time is very important. Do as many events as you can. Ask people for rides. If you get the chance, have someone experienced drive your car and ride along. Sign up for a local autoX school or take the Evolution School when it comes to your area.

Another important thing to remember is to read the rules carefully before you start adding stuff to your car (or taking stuff out! ).

 

The Prelude Type SH does great on the track. Some of their disadvantages in autocrosses, like power steering and heavy, are not as much of a problem on a track. One big advantage is that they are much more forgiving than the shorter wheelbase Integras and Civics. I race a Type SH in SCCA Improved Touring S.

 

you can run the 97+ ludes in ITS now?? I didn't know that!! how about a 1999 lude, they an IT car yet?

 

Drool Drool. One day....

 

Cars have to be 5 years or older to be classified in Improved Touring. Right now only the '97 and '98 Prelude are classified. The '99 will be eligible but not necessarily classed in January of next year. I am betting SCCA wont just let it without further investigation since for ’99 there was supposedly 5 more horsepower.

 

what do you have done to your car for it to be in that class......just for some future ref.? unless its top secret

 

to compete: scca saftey gear (6 point cage, fire bottle, window net, kill switch, etc, etc, etc.... )

to win: built motor, built suspension, hoosier tires, and lots of testing and seat time (among other things).

 

ha ha. I like how you put that...... Good thing im just looking to get my feet wet. BTW I am going to move to charlotte, NC for schooling, does anyone know if there are some nice courses around that area?

DR....do you have the back seats taken out? and if so do you have a pic of what it looks like without them?


[Modified by POSlude97, 11:23 PM 3/4/2003]

 

The interior is gone except dash per IT rules. Also have the sunroof removed and filled. Here are a couple more pics.

 

DR's car is offically the most badass 5th gen SH I have seen..

 

I agree 100%.

Hey, DR, good to see you still around, good luck w/ the new season. How many miles on your 5th gen now?

-hubert

 

i used to have all of davids in-car racing vids that he posted on preludeonline. the subtitle commentaries were great.

 

Oh man that's sweet. Nice SH.

 

Just wondering what spring rates are you going with on that IT car??

 

WOW....thanks for the pics
What made you pick an sh to race over everything else, if you dont mind me asking?

 

Honda318dx,
The feeling is mutual with your 4th gen. That picture looking back at your Prelude at VIR last year was my wallpaper for months. I really hope to make it out to a ECHC race this year.


bb6h22a,
I have 40k HARD miles on it

57STS,
Spring rates are currently 650f/750r.

POSlude97,
It was just a natural progression from using the car to autocross, then DE events, and now racing.




[Modified by DR, 12:52 PM 3/5/2003]

 

Before you go right into Road Racing I would try out HPDE's first. Your car would do fine there. I drive a Civic Ex with just intake, and it is a hell of a lot of fun. Sure it is slow, but you can still have fun out there. In fact, there was a 5th generation Prelude at my last event.

 

You can still get alot of his videos at
http://www.ntpog.org/gallery/movies.shtml.

I too am extremely jealous. And I think thats crap that only the 97-98 Ludes are classed. That means it'll be atleast 3 more years before I can race mine. Lotsa time to practice.

 

Just watched the "Ferrari Chase" movie. Oh man that's sweet.

 

The newer cars are currently classed in Showroom Stock B (SSB).

So its not "crap"