1988 Rx-7 SE non turbo 13b

I am trying to build my car up for autocross racing. What are the best ways for me to improve my handling? What are some good brands/models for suspension and so forth?

 

Good Struts, Good springs, Good Rubber and replace all the stock bushings with Poly or new pieces

 

What class are you planning to run in?
You can run in ES, CSP I don't know what prepared class.

 

Im not really sure what class. I am a beginner racer, so most likely the lower of the two. I joined a local racing club and the races are fairly small.

 

Find a "race Buddy" to take you under his wing, Our region has a novice program. The best thing you need right now is a Sfae raliable car and LOTS of seat time. If you have a chance to attend an "evolution School" JUMP on it!!!!

Walk the course, ask for critisim of your driving and LISTEN!!!!

 

ES is a stock class.. you are very restricted in what you can do

with your car being manufactured in 88 that makes your car 16yrs old

-You can change your filter element(non-cone type)
-Cat back exhaust
-Aftermarket struts with no more than 2 external adjustments(you can't change springs)
-Up to 225mm tyre width(if it fits over your stock rims. Also note you are not allowed to roll your fenders*but nobody will know *)
-up to .25in spacers (this will increase your wheelbase)
-Stainless steel brake lines (I believed allowed on stock cars older than 12 years old)
-Suspension Bushings and motor mounts(I believed allowed on stock cars older than 12 years old)
-Steering wheel within 1in of the stock size(not so sure about this)
-roll cage
-front anti-roll bar of any size(note: not strut tower bar. A strut tower bar would put you in a higher class)
- change thermostat

Err... not so sure about CSP but here is what I know. You can do everything you are allowed in the stock class plus

-Full exhaust system
-Full suspension system as long as you use stock mounting points
-Can change rims to certain size limit
-Bucket seats
-relocate battery
-remove power steering(not recommended)
-Remove AC system
-Remove heater core
-Any intake
-Front and rear strut tower bars
-Rear sway bar
-remove Airpump*not sure if you want to do that*
-camber adjusters
-matchporting intake and exhaust
-e-fan

just be careful. certain "simple" mods will put you in the crazy street mod 2 class

-Carbon fiber hood
-Underdrive pulleys(not sure... have to check this one out)
-Wing
-Certain tyre/rim sizes?

Err..
well.. if you want more details go to

www.autocross.com

 

Seat time, seat time, seat time, seat time, seat time.

You see where I'm going with this. Thats your biggest limiting factor not your suspension. Just make sure your car is in good running order and run in the stock class an entire year. You'll get the urge to upgrade parts sooner but you must resist. Make all your suspension changes in the off season next winter. You'll get more money saved for nicer suspension components and you wont have to relearn to drive your car every time you make a change.

Provided your street tires aren't to bad you can run them also. Don't expect to win but simply look for your times compared to others to improve. Eventually you will want a set of R-compound tires. Get an extra set of stock rims and a used set of tires and you'll notice a second or two drop on your times and save the wear and tear on your daily tires.

 

thank you for the advice.