I had a decent first campaign in the R this year. I won my class and probably placed in the top 5 overall. Got to love that GS PAX. Although, I did not have the advantage of any throw away events, two of which were on street tires.
I want to buy new shocks over the winter. It is really unclear what a favorable setup is for Solo II. I am thinking of trying to find a set of GABs.

Also what other tweaks would you recommend? I plan on getting a harness and probably two sets of Hoosiers. (one for local every weekend and one for regional/nationals).

The car is completly stock aside from my Mazda Millenia wheels and corded Kuhmos.

Thanks for your help

 

the 225 front and 205 rear tire setup seems to be a pretty good option. I'm going to be moving to that next year.

A harness is pretty nice, I definitely feel like I have a bit better control over things.

High performance brakepads are next on my agenda. I don't think I'm going to mess with shocks. Not only is it expensive, but I'm not at all convinced that there is a real advantage, except maybe at the highest levels. Stock is pretty darn good, and at local levels (and being beginners) I think it's more worthwhile to put money into good tires and more practice.

 

I think that we both had our first Auto X together in Akron(may). I remember the stickers. How did you end up doing for the year?

 

The GAB's are very good shocks (at least they're stiff) from what I hear, but getting ahold of them can be difficult. Koni's OTOH are easy to get ahold of and they *finally* released an externally adjustable rear shock for us. YEAH!!! You could just go with a rear set of those if you can't find GAB's. The David Fauth's and Kevin McCormick's of the world run revalved Koni's specifically designed for autocrossing. Truechoice, Proparts, or even Koni themselves can revalve their stock shocks for autocross use. These shocks do make a difference, but is it worth the $1200 + to get them?!? I can't answer that, but it is another option.

As far as tires, I know the Hoosier's are faster than the Kumho's on concrete, but they are considerably more expensive and wear much faster. On asphalt, however, the K tire is very competitive with the Hoosier, so for cost reasons you may wish to run Kumho's at local events to save yourself some money.

Also, as noted a good set of brake pads will make a difference. I installed Porterfield R4-S pads and they really haul the car down now. Very impressed with the stopping power. My co-driver was amazed at how much more braking power my GS car had than his SM ITR.

fwiw, however, a GS ITR with stock shocks and kumho's can be a top five car at Nats. It's all about the driver. The car is just great already and any changes or modifications you make to it only incrementally make it faster.


[Modified by typer_801, 10:56 AM 9/27/2001]

 

Congrats to Shamun for his kickass season, and some particularly kickass driving last sunday, where his fast runs were uber-fast, and he had one on-the-edge run where he turned a potential spin one way into nothing less than a perfect rally-style drift around a 180 degree pivot in the other direction, without hesitation or any visible bumbles....it brought many ooohs and aahs from people who have seen alot of things! All i gotta say Shawn, i'm glad you're in GS and haven't made the jump to CSP, i'm having enough trouble getting firsts with Andy and the Grafs

As for GS Setup, since your car has so few miles, i'd leave the shocks alone too, save the money for hoosiers maybe, or keep running V700s (your cording at the last event was disturbing, hope that isn't indicative of the Ecsta-V...), maybe get a harness, definately brake pads can help (more at the track than at autoX tho)...you could do an exhaust, but that's not really necessairy, the R exhaust is so nice and quiet. Drivers school perhaps? You've got gobs of natural talent

 

Thanks Scott......

I forgot about brake pads......hmmm

I went for a ride in Vern's M3 and the brakes in that thing frigging awesome.
Maybe it was just passenger seat syndrome, but it seemed like he was braking insanely late.

I think I should also start saving up for a new first gear.....the way I was shifting in that hairpin.

 

I didn't know there's AutoX last week!!...
but I managed to fix the CEL that weekend..
I think it is ok now.. (who knows)..
but hm.... 2 R owners.. Aleph n Shamun are really2 good drivers...
maybe I should go for "car show' instead of AutoX-ing..
don't want to embarass myself with my slow *** driving...

Questions guys! Don't you feel a little hesitant pushing the R? I do... can't help it.
maybe if I later on I have a DC5R, I can be less hesitant...

 

Hey there, yeah I think I remember you. We still have an event to go next weekend, but I've got 2nd place in GS locked up I think. Brett (Soloracer) got first, and he's a pretty good driver. So I'm happy.

I'm getting my 225/205 wheels/tires next week and will get to try them out at our last 2-day event of the year, then I'll have to park them until next season.

 

check the competition board, I sent you some suggestions.

Good job on a great season

 

A few suggestions, in no particular order...

- 225 front tires, 205 rear tires
- harness belt
- autocross alignment
- SuperTrapp muffler
- adjustable shocks (koni, GAB, etc)
- Porterfield R4S brake pads
- Evolution, Track Time, and/or local Autocross School

And if you want to see the National Champs setup, go here:
http://itrca.com/registry/index.asp?...ed_nov2000.asp