Anyone else Autocross?

[quick35th]

I was just wandering who else Autocrosses? I have been Autocrossing now for a year and I love it! It is such a rush. I race my Thunderbird SC against Mustangs and Camaros.

Shane

[mfab69]

I'm thinking about it really seriously. What mods would you suggest for a stock 03 SVT foci

[cobraaph]

"I'm thinking about it really seriously. What mods would you suggest for a stock 03 SVT foci"

It all depends on which class you want to run in. In the stock classes, there are few options other than maybe DOT legal competition tires and some minor engine tweaks. The street prepared classes allow for a few suspension mods. Then there is street modified which stops just short of tube frame race cars. Check with the organization(s) that put on the events in your area or with SCCA for more information. Not everyone interprets the rules the same either, so you will want to know how deep you want to get into it before you spend a lot of money on mods that may not be allowed in the class you want to run in. Most people can have a lot of fun with just stock vehicles. The courses are generally not suited to high powered vehicles so handling is where you would want to concentrate.

It's been said many times before, but the best mod for any vehicle is the driver. I've seen many people post some sick times with what appear to be essentially stock vehicles. Ride with experienced autocrossers, ask questions, there are several good books on the subject, see if anyone offers classes or a high performance driving school in your area. Many On Track events have an autocross course set up so you can try it there.

Autocrossing is an excellent way to find out what the limits of the car are as well as your own. It's also best to leave your ego at the door. Getting beat by a Miata can be humbling, to say the least. Best of all, most people there are car guys or gals. What could be more fun?

Al Hermans

[mfab69]

Thanks for the great info, I think I'll check into a driving school. It would make a great vacation.

[AWMIII]

I autox nationally. I haven't run the cobra seriously yet though. I used to run a 400hp wrx in street modified. Levae your focus stock until you get a feel for the car. It is impossible to recomend mods before you have spent 5-10 events in the car. I might get some R tires depending on what class you want to run. That car might do well in stx with a quaiffe and coilovers on street tires.

[focusben]

The first year of owning my SVTF, I ran a couple of autocross events. Yes, it's very fun! Just be sure to unload all the extra weight in your car, especially the spare tire. Throwing the car around the turns was really fun! I got a good sense of the car's limits.
In my first run at each event, I always start slow to get a feel for the track, then incrementally up the pace and trying different things - i.e. gearing shifting, braking points etc. to see where I can get the most out of the run.
I also take a look at the layout beforehand and visualize what I'd be doing in the driver's seat.
The only suggestion in terms of mods when you're beginning, is to maybe get some lightweight - but strong rims so that the car will accelerate a little faster. Other than that, keeping it stock is the best way to learn about your car.

[mfab69]

Thanks for the info focusben, any suggestions on wheels.

[focusben]

Something lightweight and strong, something along the lines of OZ. I'd do a search through tirerack.com and ask around in the Focaljet.com forums, especially in the autocross section over there. I also heard Motegi is pretty good as well.

This year, I'm planning on getting the OZ Chronos 17" just because it'll be easier on my summer tires from having to switch through them time and again.

[LMarx]

I run G Stock in Columbus Ohio. I finished second in the season points chase here, with three 1st and 2 seconds.

I searched far and wide for a light wheel that would keep within the Stock Class offset.
The answer is the Team Dynamics Pro 1

I bought them through Passon Motorsports in Columus. They ordered from the Wholesaler in Cal. Wheels are made in England/GB. Any shop can order the wheels if they have the wholesalers info, which I got from an advertisement??

17X7 are just 16.5lbs approx. Come in several painted colors.

You need extra wheels if you run stock to mount the R compound.
If STS, then a second set of wheels is more an option.

[NeilBerry]

Autocrossing is a blast. The SVTOA on-track events usually have at least some autocross training.

Autocrossing is fairly hard on brakes and tires, so consider bringing spares. Serious auto-Xers even bring a trailer with "track" tires.

[quick35th]

Originally posted by LMarx
I run G Stock in Columbus Ohio. I finished second in the season points chase here, with three 1st and 2 seconds.

I searched far and wide for a light wheel that would keep within the Stock Class offset.
The answer is the Team Dynamics Pro 1

I bought them through Passon Motorsports in Columus. They ordered from the Wholesaler in Cal. Wheels are made in England/GB. Any shop can order the wheels if they have the wholesalers info, which I got from an advertisement??

17X7 are just 16.5lbs approx. Come in several painted colors.

You need extra wheels if you run stock to mount the R compound.
If STS, then a second set of wheels is more an option.

Hey your with OVR right? I finished third in FS last season and had a blast doing so. This year I want to atleast get second if I can.

Shane

[ScottJ175]

I ran H Stock in my old 1988 Cavalier back in the early 90's.

Would love to get back into the game if I could find time with all my other hobbies.

However, I'd have to complete the following list (no particular order):
Tri-Ax, SFC's, adjustible Konis or Tokicos, dedicated set of wheels & tires, poly IRS carrier bushings, the Bronco or Jeep fixed to be a reliable backup vehicle, $5000-$10,000 emergency fund in savings.

[rheacerdave]

Noticed the AutoX section kinda died.
Has everyone stopped autocrossing??

http://dixierally.org/gallery060521-1/images/PICT0086.jpg

[stangluvr]

I used to autocross many years ago in my 89 LX 5.0, but I just went to my first since 95 last weekend. I SUCK! I forgot how much different it was next to open track driving. Even though I told myself it was a totally different mind set I still went out there and stunk it up. It will take me a few events to get my mind in shape to think as fast as you need to out there on such a tight course. Not to mention getting used to softpedalling 460 RWHP. I'm game though. I've got to get better now that I kow how bad I am. :D

[TBSVTOA]

Noticed the AutoX section kinda died.
Has everyone stopped autocrossing??

http://dixierally.org/gallery060521-1/images/PICT0086.jpg


NO, People just stopped posting about it. I try to do as often as I can or event host a DE AutoX.

BTW. The pic look like a skid pad not an autox :) LOL

[NeilBerry]

It would be nice to see auto-cross courses added to on-track events. It was popular at the 2003? BeaveRun event

[rheacerdave]

wellllll.
Actually someone mentioned I seemed to be the only one steering right for a left hand corner. Not fast but fun. We were there in conjuction with a "motorsports" program at a local Jr. College. I took the directors 2 sons for rides. Still fastest V-8 that day. Course it was only against GM stuff, so no big deal. :haha: We knew we couldn't beat the Hondas and Subarus, so we went for style points. 30 of 50 overall, 1st in style points. :) http://www.rivergate5speed.com/scca/soloii/r060521extra.html
I've autocrossed for over 20 years. Kinda got away from it since I've been roadracing. Still fun, though.
At Nashville SVOTA last year, we had a autocross course set up in the infield at Nashville Speedway. Several folks that hadn't done either tried it and liked it.

[SVT740GS]

Me and My best friend Aaron Auto cross in Ft.Myers FL. Its the most fun I have had. Here are a couple pics. Where both new FYI be gentle.
http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b253/regulata700t/pict6490.jpg
http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b253/regulata700t/pict6500-1.jpg
http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b253/regulata700t/pict5620.jpg
http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b253/regulata700t/pict5851.jpg
http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b253/regulata700t/pict6466.jpg
http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b253/regulata700t/pict5621.jpg

[tntcbra]

It would be nice to see auto-cross courses added to on-track events. It was popular at the 2003? BeaveRun eventIt was just popular because of the rain. And because I almost never left that course!
25 MILES on the autocross pad - yeah, I like autocrossing!

But on Monday when it didn't rain, it seemed necessary to let the car cool down between track runs rather than coming back to the autocross pad. And while I agree with you that the autox can be a useful part of driver training, I guess the thought is that why should you bother with autox when there is a full, rented road course to use? Maybe a proposal to start everyone's first session on an autocross course to get warmed up?

Tim

[ajonsson]

I was just wandering who else Autocrosses? I have been Autocrossing now for a year and I love it! It is such a rush. I race my Thunderbird SC against Mustangs and Camaros.

Shane


I know late response. :rolleyes:
I do autocross my '01 Cobra with the Boston New England SVTOA. We had 6 or 7 1.8 mile, 120 to 140 sec autocross events held at an abandoned military airport last summer. We have been running autocrosses for several years now and will continue to do so.

Here are some links to pictures form some of our events:
http://www.palmerpix.com/autox_apr15/index.html
http://www.palmerpix.com/autox_Aug12/index.html

[IMG]

[TBSVTOA]

Auto X added to On-Track is a great idea. It was used @ Sebring ontrack for 2 years. When it was removed peole asked for it back. It will likely be added back for 07.

Just did a mini autox/track in Gainsville with the Central Florida Chapter.

Click here for vid (http://www.svtoa-centralflorida.com/MGP06/GeneMGP06.mov)

More @ svtoa-centralflorida.com

[Dellcobra]

Not all on track venues have a place to do an autocross or driving skills course. The other thing is having enough volunteers to make sure everything runs smoothly.

It does add to the event where it can be done. Logistics worked out and enough people to run it, then go for it. I know at Texas World Speedway, there is no place to do it. I don't think there is at Summit Point also.

Keep the ideas coming.

Dell

[Beabout]

As to location... In OKC the SCCA uses Remington Park parking lot.. Haven't tried it myself but, have watch several events there and enjoyed the show...

[dave_phillips]

I will be auto-xing with an 03 FSVT in NWI this spring. Just bought the car and she has springs and rotors changed. My go back to stock (G) after I play in STS. I have ran the last four years (three points champs) with an antique SVO. Can't run with the Audis or Minis. The SVO was a handful to drive. We had 275-45-16 Hosiers on it and she did stick. But the turbo could not run with the Mini's supercharger. We bought it up to E6 spec. and she still is slow.

Dave Phillips
NW Indiana

[tinstar]

I autox an 89 GT every year, usually with several regions during the same year.

I just don't post up much here as it seems few are really into the autox on this board.

Generally Mustangs don't have the greatest reputation as autox'ers. The good news is that are a few key mods that change all that.