Getting my baby ready for Auto-X
 

Hey everyone,

So I'd like to Auto-X my 7 at some point. (Right now I don't even have a license - but that's why I say, "at some point".) And I'd like to know what I need in order to get all set. Here's what I got so far:

DONE:
- New Tires (Khumo Ectsa 711's 225/45/17s front and back)
- New Fluids / Standard Tune-Up / Air Filter
- New Belts all around

PLANNING:
- Cold Air Intake (True, not just a cone filter in the engine bay.)
- New Spark Plugs (NGKs probably - do you think these are even worth it?)
- Tokico Illuminas 5-way shocks
- EIbach ProKit Springs
- Energy Suspension Polyurethane Bushings Kit
- New Driveshaft (My U-Joints are goin' bad)

What else do you recommend or what do you think about my plans?

Thanks,
iSP33D-for-J3SUS :bigthumb:

You don't need to spend any money upgrading anything at this point, just go have fun. If you do upgrades now you'll probably find yourself wishing you hadn't later on when you change your mind about what you want (the springs for instance aren't the best performers out there). Save your money untill you've done a season or two and have done lots of research into suspensions, and you'll be happier in the end. BTW, I've heard that those tires suck balls, only really good for keeping the car off the ground, sorry to say, but that's what I've heard.

From what I've heard you're best off to get the NGK plugs.

I'd also spend some time reading the rules and classes for whatever group you're planning on autocrossing with. You can fairly easily put yourself into a class where you'll never be competitive by doing some simple mod, such as having your wheels 1/2 inch too wide. Just ask black91n/a! :D

The most important mods in autocross is the nut holding the steering wheel. Get some seat time - its huge fun! Once you've tried it a bit and become familiar with the classes, then decide on mods. Some of the stock classes are intensely competitive, so you don't need to spend lots to go racing. (which is why those classes are popular)

Thanks for the advice - do you know where I can find information on the different classes etc?

Thanks,
iSP33D-for-J3SUS :bigthumb:

The SCCA Solo rules are here:

http://scca.com/_filelibrary/File/2006_solo_rules.pdf

That's probably the most common system in use, but I'd recommend that you find a club in your area that runs autocrosses and find out what system they use. Most groups are quite helpful to newbies and can get you started with a minimum of fuss.

So... I read through that and I'm a bit confused... what category would my 7 fall into... it wouldn't be any of the "Street" categories would it? The rules say my car has to have a minimum of 4 seats... and it doesn't have that.

I also wouldn't consider my car "stock" since it has a full aftermarket header / exhaust system but at the same time, I don't wanna be placed in a class where I get blown away. Can I go somewhere and have someone from the SCCA "class" my car?

Thanks for answering all my newb questions,
ISP33D-for-J3SUS :bigthumb:

most likelt you'll be in C Street Prepared or CSP. basic bolt on mods are ok.

suspension suspension suspension! AutoX is at very low speeds so just prac your driving for now.

You'll be in CSP by the sounds of it. That's a very competetive class, many very fast miatas, I've been having my ass handed to me by them this past year. Oh well, I have fun and don't expect to win, so it's all good, besides, I'm getting away from them as I'm going to have to run SM2 next year due to some planned mods (I'll be even less competetive there, but there's less competition).

The thing with SCCA Solo classing is that you class the car and if the others have a problem with it they can protest and then one of the organisers will look at the car too see if it's legal or not, and it's not a big deal if it's not, you just get moved to the proper class. Expecially with noobs they'll be understanding of classing mistakes, and you probably wouldn't get protested anyway, because you're very unlikely to win, as driving skill makes up 90% of the time, car is only about 10%, and as a novice your skills won't be very good yet.

All of the mods you listed sound awesome and perfect for a novice, with the exception of the eibach springs. They're great for the street, but a waste of money on the track (esp. for a beginner). I'd go with a smaller steering wheel, too. CSP is a fun but competitive class that seems to be dominated by miatas and mr2s. A lot of people here will tell you to save your money and keep your car as stock as possible until you're a good driver. That's true to a point. I wouldn't go out and buy race tires or new sway bars or strip your interior just yet, but adding adjustable shocks and making your car run healthy (NEW FLUIDS ARE NOT AN UPGRADE) can only improve the learning curve.

BTW I have V711s on my GTU and they are great tires for the price. Definitely would not call them great for racing though.

From what I've read about them the price is about the only selling feature they have, as you're hard pressed to find a cheaper tire. If you have never had truly good tires you have no idea what "good" is, it could just be the least bad.

Can stock FC's run STS2 ?

-Edit-

Yep, found it. Try aiming for that class. You won't be competitive in stock without R-compounds, and STS2 will allow you to better guage how you are doing versus the competition.

STS2 allows all your planned mods with exception to the cold air intake (can't duct air to the filter).

Really? I thought that was just like... no supercharger / turbo??

iSP33D-for-J3SUS :bigthumb:

Oh yeah, it is only for N/A FC's.

Like everyone else said, this looks like CSP for you.