I am thinking of getting into autocross soon. Well soon as in as soon as I get my car set up well enough. My clutch is out so it's looks as though I am going to have to put in a new one. Any of you autocross guys have any suggestions? Also I am loosing the tranny as well. I am pretty sure syncro is gonna go out in a month or so, I am grinding in 2 and 3rd if I shift at to high of a speed... anyways, ya suggestions on tranny and clutch, that was thepoint. Thanks fellas.

- James

 

Depends ... what do you have done to the car? And more importantly, what class do you plan on auto-x'ing in? The class restrictions will pretty much determine what clutch and/or tranny options you have.

 

My only suggestion, get out there, have fun, and learn.
If you arent sure if your cars parts can hold up to the abuse than replace them. There is nothing more frustrating or disheartning than blowing up the car at the track...

 

You should run it the way it is now first just to get used to it. I've auto-x'ed 3 times now and my '85 is still completely stock. Your first times are going to be highly driver dependent so your setup won't matter too much. Last time I autocrossed, I beat 2 guys in 3rd gen 7's with my STOCK '85 with a 12A.

But, to answer your question, for autocross, you need good racing tires (Hoosier, Yokohama, etc.) and suspension mods like a front sway bar and shocks, etc. Hope that helps!

 

see thats the thing... its already broke.. I maybe if I am lucky will have the thing running for a fe weeks. So since I have to replace it I wanna just upgrade it now, rather than later.

I am not to sure on the classes on AutoXing, prolly the not stock class cuz I wanna upgrade the suspension and tranny and such. I saw the post on class stuff so I wil read through it. but so yea yer suggestions will help.

- James

 

James,

The great thing about advice is you can ignore it. If you're into mods for the car to have a little fun on the street--go for it. If you're into autox, leave the car stock for a while and get the clutch and tranny repaired to stock standards. The money spent on seat time will pay dividends over suspension, engine modifications, and r-compound tires in your first year. Spend your money on an alignment, brake pads, new fluids (oil, radiator, diff, brakes), decent street tires (treadware 120-200), entry fees, and sign up early for the SFR-SCCA autox school in the spring. Attend the events and ask questions. Remember, cone-killers are a social breed--we love to to bullshit--especially about cars. Checkout the competition in the class your modified car would be classed and ask yourself if spending $1-2k or even $5k on this car would make it competitive.

Advice from someone who started in an '87 N/A Base SE.

 

I started auto crossing in an 88TII. I ran then and now the Act clutch and PP along with an aluminum fly wheel. When you use the new fly wheel you will not believe how fast your car will accelerate.

 

I am going to jump in and give my .02 ¢ about what clutch to run. Of course you will need to check with you rule book to make sure that there are no restrictions.
First I recommend running a stock pressure plate, so the clutch pedal feels the same if you are running within 25-30 hp of stock.
Next I highly recommend a clutch disk that has springs in it to extend transmission life but will still only allow minimum slippage at launching.
Racing Beat carries the: Street/Strip HD Disc or the Sport/Race Disc.

Also replace the throwout bearing, with a OEM STOCK unit. Take your flywheel to the machine shop and have it resurfaced, price will be around $45.
A lightweigh steel flywheel will help your engine rev up faster, but I find that it will hurt you in a drag race style start.

John
1999 Pro7 B champion NASA SF
2003 CSP GSL-SE future winner

 

ya as usual i made the wrong decision im sure and went wiht somehting a little to strong. I got the ACT Stage II performence clutch uh part number Z65-XTR4 well that one but non turbo version.. its a 4 puck with new presure plate. . . not recomended for street use but i dont plan to drive my car on the street very much once I get to LA. Soooo I dunno if I get my tranny soon I dont think I will have any probs...but im broke and my GF's car saucks so I have to get her a new one.... anyways.... thx for al the info fellas...... Auto cross starts in 4 weeks so says vrr2!! I signed up. Hope the car is done in time!

- James

 

"""John
1999 Pro7 B champion NASA SF
2003 CSP GSL-SE future winner"""

So what makes you think you can beat ME!
j/k
I want to do some unheard of things to make a bid in a 12A,,,,,,,what are YOU planning to get these cars out of the "also ran" catagory, If I may ask?