Svtf Autocrossers

[thndr8]

I've been out of auto- xing for awhile and would like to try my new Focus. My experience level is extensive with 10 years running ESP in various mustangs locally and sometimes on a divisional level. But I've never ran a front wheel drive car and with such little horsepower. Any tips? Specifically, a good starting tire pressure and how much fuel should be on board. I will be on the stock contis and I'm assuming I'm in GS. I like my cars to stick in the front and have the rear end a little loose. Don't even know if it's possible with FWD. Just would like to know the easiest way to rotate this thing. Don't want to waste my only four runs on testing and I can never duplicate my intensity on the track when I go testing on some back roads. Any tips would help. Thanks.

[WIZARD Racing]

I'm in the same situation too, kind of. I'm brining the SVTf out for it's 1st Solo II April 13. I have a 91 Escort GT that I used to Solo II a lot and now Club Race, so I know what FWD cars do.

1) Fuel level- the EGT had to be near full because of starvation problems. Does the SVTf suffer the same problem? I'm going to run the level low.

2) Tire pressures- I'm going to start with the factory recommened pressures and work from there. I'll also be on the stock Contis. The magazines didn't mention changing them & loved the way the car handled.

3) Traction control- on or off? Hmm, tuff call. I'll try both.

4) Handleing- in FWD cars you can use "drop throttle steering" to rotate the car. As you turn in, jump off the gas, then back on. You have to be REALLY smoothe in a FWD. They love to plow. Just remember: FWD cars are easier to get into "trouble" & harder to get out of it.

5) Lack of "real" power- one word "MOMENTUM"

I doubt you'll have any trouble adjusting to the FWD. I've run a RWD car a few times & done well, including beating an guy in his own Miata. He runs an RX7 & has beaten me in my EGT.

[jstevens1]

I've run into problems with the fuel starvation scenario before in a ZX3 at less than 1/4 tank, so I would recommend running at least 3/8. Couldn't tell ya about the tire pressures with the Conti's, cause I haven't autoX'ed those but once. I'd recommend changing them, though. I wasn't so impressed... Don't have traction control, so I'm all out of ideas there. The drop-throttle thingy works REALLY well with the Focus. It's my favorite way to turn. Takes just a little practice to start getting a feel for it. Momentum goes right back to the issue of turning a FWD car; manage it well, and you will be rewarded, manage it poorly (like I did last time out) and you will squeal your tires uselessly in plodding understeer about every last cone. Use it WISELY, fellow Jedi...:D

The focus is a fun car to autoX. I had a GREAT time in my last one, and will (eventually) get in-touch with this new one and enjoy the heck out of it too.

Until then, take care and drive safely...

[leierb]

Adjusting to FWD is different, but not difficult. Like RWD cars oversteer/understeer can be tuned in stock classes by adj. tire pressures, shock settings or connecting/disconnecting front anti-roll bar.

I usually start a few psi over manufactures recommendations, because autoxing is a little more spirited then sitting in traffic. I think you have to find the correct front tire pressures to utilize all the tread and get good tread rollover for the track conditions, using the typical methods (marking sidewalls and cross tread temps). Then adjust the rear pressures to induce as much oversteer as you please (usually a 2-4 psi greater then the front is a good start). I like a little oversteer in my setup, because you keep your foot down to recover in a FWD.

I haven’t tried aftermarket adjustable shocks yet, because I don’t think many companies have valved then for the stiffer SVTF springs. Let us know if this isn't the case.

Have you thought of tires? If you try the 235/40-17 Ecsta V700 before me, let me know if they fit without scrubbing.

[leierb]

I forgot to mention. I was .75 seconds faster on a few test runs with the traction control off using street tires last fall.

[WIZARD Racing]

When I "burn" off the Contis, I'm getting the Kumhos. I road race (my EGT) on them now & like them. They remind me of the BFG G-Force Rs before BFG bailed on us road racers. The Victoracers are too soft shoudlered.

So traction control "off". Sweet! I can't wait to play:bna !!!

[beerkat]

" It is better to be a racer for a moment, than a spectator for life time."

I did my first HP driving school a few weeks ago and could not agree with you more. Can not wait to go to my next school.:) :bna :cool:

[LMarx]

OK,
Where are the real answers. I could have written the original message my self. Same issues.

Other questions are, how has anyone made access to the Koni shocks in the rear so as to adjust them. I installed last week, and took the interior panels off for the job. Now I need to cut a hole and plug in a nice professional manner so as to allow access to adjust, and not look like S&*$#. Any ideas??

What is better for getting the front to stick, firmer shock in front or rear?? The Rear drive car liked a stiffer rear for turnin, what about FWD?

I have Kumho ecsta V700 on order. What air pressure? 30-33 or in the 40's like 45+......also, which should be greater pressure front or rear. Rear will get loose with low pressure like 25 or like 50. which is better?
Thanks,

[WIZARD Racing]

Originally posted by LMarx
OK,
Where are the real answers. I could have written the original message my self. Same issues.

I have Kumho ecsta V700 on order. What air pressure? 30-33 or in the 40's like 45+......also, which should be greater pressure front or rear. Rear will get loose with low pressure like 25 or like 50. which is better?
Thanks,

I run the Kumho Ecsta V700s (205/50/15) on my Escort GT. For a road race I start around 26 - 27 psi all around. I think I bumped up to 28psi for the fronts & dropped to 25psi for the rears.

OK, I ran the auto-x this past Sunday. I had about 3/8 of a tank, and started with the factory recommended pressures.
About 15 seconds into my 1st run, I was scrambleing for the traction control button (to shut it off!). It was messing with my head! I pushed the car hard to see how much it would argue with me. I did a minor adjustment to the pressures and drove the wheels off the car. I wound up 3rd in class out of 8. I do need a 5 point saftey harness!!! Man I slid around! But I had FUN!!!!:tmb:

[canadasvt]

I just did my first Autocross Solo event on Sunday, so I certainly can't answer all the questions but can tell you I had a blast! Managed to bring my time down 6 seconds from the first run. I had 38psi front and 34psi rear. I think I'll try 40 in the front next time for those hard braking right turns. I started with a half tank, so never had a starvation problem. I'm 270lbs, so if I was seriously worried about weight I'd try to lose 40 off myself. Ha! The one problem I had was with the seat height and my helmet being attached to the roof, even when I tried reclining and moving the seat up to be under the sunroof. But I had a great time and think I may become addicted to this. :)

[ifrsvt]

I run 40 psi all around. Traction control off (unless it is a real long fast course). Never had any fuel starvation problems on my FSVT. It's an 02. Stock Conti's so far. Class is G Stock if you have no mods. Here's a link to the season standings for Portland OR. As you can see, I've only run 3 races out of 5 and I'm doing ok in the class. http://www.oregonregionsolo2.com/Events/POINTS.HTM

Have fun,
Bob B