2nd gen Autocross questions.
 

Howdy folks. I've recently become introduced (and addicted) to the world of Autocross. I don't like the idea of constantly beating up my daily driver, so I'm thinking of picking up another car just for racing.

I'd like to stay in the mazda family and dishing out the money for a 3rd gen right now just isn't in my budget, so I figure my choices are either between a Miata or a RX-7 Turbo II.

Any insight right now would be wonderful. Is this a workable car for autocross? If you all were starting over again, would you make the same choice? And in purchasing a car suitable for autox, do you all have any pointers?

Thank you so much,
~Bill

any car is good for autocross if you can drive it. I autocrossed a 89t2 for the first time that was dyno'ed at 330rwhp. It was pretty crazy but i believe ti did well, very controlable just pointed where i wanted to go and just let the tires burnout and slide all around. My suggestion for after you choose a car is save your money and get the best suspension you can afford, some jic coil overs etc etc. then grab some spare rims and get some victoracers or hooisers, after that happens your driving experience will be alot better

To be honest. I'm very new at this, and want a car I can learn on, and then upgrade later. I don't mind losing, and plan to quite often. What I care about is the fun factor, and being able to tune a nice car here and there. I've looked over the other car in it's class and know already it'll be hard to be competitive.

Perhaps I should look at it as a challange.


I'm basically looking for a good time, I'm hoping the RX can do it for me.

AutoCross: It's a wooden paddle and a black leather catsuit short of an act of masochism.

well the rx7 can definitly be a good time driving it balls to the wall. My suggestions were to help you out by saving your money. no point in blowing 1000$ of dollars if you cant drive the car, so learn first and save money. Then when the autox bug has bitten you go out and get the 2 most important things... A great suspension setup and tires, FYI r-compound tires are work 2-3 seconds faster times that street tires.:D

I've seen both miatas and rx7s absolutely tear up an autocross, I've also seen a 15yr old in a beat up jetta with r-compound tires come only a few seconds from a feww sevens and miatas. first learn to drive, modify, then searn to win.

Bill - You've got the right attitude to begin with. 90% of the improvement you'll see the first year or two will be in your driving. What you need is a car that will be consistent and dependable so you can do lots of events. I bought an 88 GTU and have run it for the last three years. It's been great to learn with (2 class championships) and now I'm ready to move to something racier. My GTU is now available.

<fire jammas on>

Get the Miata. They're better classed than the FC in SCCA events. Plus you'll have a rag-top :).
I've got a GXL that isn't all that well kept but drives well and it's (I'm) not really competitive with the Miatas and the MR2 in ES.

Cory