Autocross with SVTF

[rothaus]

:bna My first autocross with the SVT Focus :bna http://homepage.mac.com/ogburn/.Pictures/Photo%20Album%20Pictures/2002-11-24%2017.30.58%20-0800/ImageP0001566.jpg

Engelbert's Place (http://autox-ing.com)

[TBSVTOA]

Nice Pic , Look like fun.

[mdonahue]

Did you autox stock or do you have mods? What tires?

I will be autoxing mine this year and I wonder about the need for a strut brace. I like the Toyo R1-A.
:tmb:

[Bimota Guy]

Originally posted by mdonahue
I will be autoxing mine this year and I wonder about the need for a strut brace. I like the Yoko RA-1.
:tmb:
An SVT Focus?

My suggestion to people with unmodified cars is to run stock (or at least don't do mods which take you out of the "Stock" class) until you decide how serious you are about it. I see many disappointed competitors who find out a single mod puts them in a class in which they can't be competitive because everyone else is built to (or near) the class limits.

Basic SCCA Stock class mods are:

catback exhaust
any front sway bar (and bushings on same)
aftermarket wheels in stock size (only offset can be different and by no more than 0.25")
any shocks as long as same type as stock (e.g., no coilovers unless the car came that way)
any DOT legal tires (e.g., includes Hoosier and Kumho)
aftermarket air filter in stock enclosure

Those are the main allowed mods. Anything else puts you in another class.

You may want to read the rule book if you are serious about auto-x.

[mdonahue]

I agree with what you said. I have autoxed for the last 20 years or so, but in car clubs, not the SCCA. I am new to the SVT and don't know if there is any active club autoxing in Maryland. My concern here is for the structure of the shock towers, and the need for a strut brace to keep from damaging the car. I have seen Neons with torn welds etc..

Are there any SVT engineers reading this that can answer wether autoxing with R compound tires, in a SVT Focus, requires a strut brace?

Also if anyone is up on autox in Maryland for SVT can you post some info? Where to look for schedules, registration etc.

Thanks

[Qwik93AWD]

You don't need a strut tower bar to run R compound. I run my FSVT in SCCA GS with Kuhmo V700's with no problems. Most stock classes do with the FSVT and the regular focus.

Ron

[tntcbra]

For those in the mid-atlantic looking for autox fun, www.autox4u.com is a good site. They are mostly PA, NJ, and DE, but have a lot of links. Camden, NJ is a popular arena for events. Also, the SCCA has links to regional sites (which usually link to local sites.) www.scca.com

There really is a lot of good info out there, just follow the links and see where they take you.

I also know that down around Wash, DC, there are active clubs. It too far for me, so I can't help you with where.

Tim

[jstevens1]

A word of caution to those of you serious enough about AutoX'ing your Focus, SVT or otherwise: R-compound tires + Stiff aftermarket dampers = rollover danger. I was chatting online with a Mr. Randy Ryan (Ft. Wayne Region SCCA Stock category #1, overall #11(?) 2001 season, ZX3 Focus...) about suspension, and he warned me of the car's tendency to get a little roll-happy. Scary, I believe, was the word he chose for his sticky tires and stiff shocks on stock springs. I wouldn't mess with the dampers until I was ready to at least go STS, then do the whole suspension all at once... That's what I did with my ZX3. Trust me, these things are AWESOME with a little added stiffness.

As for the strut bar, it'll knock you out of Stock category, but it'll make the single biggest positive impact in steering feel and responsiveness. I had a FocusSport front strut bar on my ZX3, and it was llike having a whole new car. Unfortunately, I haven't yet seen any strut bars for the SVTF, only the Zetec-powered Foci. I'm holding my breath...

[mdonahue]

I may elect to autox my SVTF stock the first year to get the feel. However I ultimately want to modify for better performance. I want to get a strut bar, but I am also waiting for the JR supercharger for the SVTF and want to make sure the strut bar I end up with will clear the SC.

This is my first front wheel drive, so I am sneaking up on the limits when a find places I safely can. However, since owning the car the roads have been very snowy/sandy/salty making it too dicey to test much. I tried a few handbrake turns for fun in a BIG parking lot. This is really different when the rear brakes can go on at the same time power is added up front. I may show the M3 guys a few fun tricks.

Good news is that 2nd gear covers mosts autox speeds and never needs to be shifted. Thanks for the warning about being roll happy, I'll have to study up on tactics to use when that rear wheel comes up.

[jstevens1]

While I have yet to AutoX my SVT, I can lend you a little advice from my fun times with a ZX3 Focus around the cones...

The ZX3 loved to turn with the throttle- those quick little mid-corner adjustments are a snap.

As you stated, 2nd gear holds for the AutoX, at least in the MTX75. Based on what I've seen of the SVT so far, and on the Second-Gear conspiracy, I'm willing to bet it'll work just fine with the Getrag. If you don't mind abusing your clutch, feel free to use it to help tighten-up your line and balance yourself front-to-rear. It works very well with a Focus, as well.

As for Stock category mods, I really didn't gain much time for the cat-back, and I think a cat-back with the SVT would be even less effective. Tires helped me a lot, but I've never seen the Conti's at an autocross before, so best of luck there. I'd say brake pads are the first, along with the air filter. Wheels, lighter ones. That probably represents your best bet for gaining time in Stock, as the 17 x 7 is plenty wide enough with FAR lighter aftermarket alternatives out there. I'd recommend Kosei Racing K1, as they should already have the right size and offset on the shelf. They also go VERY light, I think about 10 pounds a piece in that size...

If you've never AutoX'd a front driver before, just remember that weight transfer control is of the UTMOST importance, more so with FWD than anything else. Also remember that you're gonna be up against Miatas, which are notoriously quick in the AutoX.

Best of luck to you, and I'll be out there with you next year...