[dj pyrotechnics]

Recently ive been getting interested in autox and a had a few quick questions for you autocrossers.

1. Typically a smaller wheel is better for autox right? I wanted to get 18s, but if i really like autox (probably will) i will probably get whatever is best.

2. What do you need to get started exactly? From what i understood on the SCCA page is that i need an SCCA license, a helmet, and a car (duh)... is there anything else?

3. What mods are suggested? aftermarket wheels with racing tires? just tires? neuspeed springs? what else?

4. About how much money should i spend to make my car streetable (full interior and everything) yet handle like its on rails?

5. Is there a compromise where i could make my car very showwy (ICE, Rims, kit, so on) and still be able to autox well?

any advice or help would be very much appriciated.

ps I drive a 2002 LX 2dr

[Dr5D]

If you change anything on your car beyond what comes stock it is in a different class. I would say just get better tires for your factory wheels. You could get nice wheels and just change them when you get there. If you get bumped into the next class for one stupid thing you will get stomped. Oh, and they should have loner helmets for you there

Now if you do want to mod your car just for auto x, then you should get wider lightweight wheels, front strut bar, and the two for the rear. That thing that goes under your car that looks like an X, I think it’s called an x-brace or something. Then, obviously you should lower it as much as possible. If you are smart enough you can adjust your camber and toe, it helps with all the cornering and stuff.

There is a book called Secrets of Solo Racing that is awesome. I got it for like $15 at b&n.

[dj pyrotechnics]

well i already have an AEM CAI.. would that bump me up to the modded class?

[Dr5D]

Yes, they do an engine inspection before you race, and that would definitely bump you up.

[dj pyrotechnics]

lol it shouldnt for our cars, it doesnt do crap

[Dr5D]

no kidding. around here autocross is only like every month or so, you could just chage it the day before or somthing. I dont know if you have been out to an event, but some people are crazy serious and have done about everything to some POS that makes is kill everyone elses times

[dj pyrotechnics]

yea ive seen some pics of novices like this



and some that are really serious like this



apparently where i live is the "home of the annual SCCA ProSolo & Solo2 nat'l tour openers"
i guess thats a good thing and this is a tiny town too!

[dj pyrotechnics]

and i cant forget this car ! i believe its here in fort myers as well!

[Dr5D]

Topeka KS is where major solos are in this area... last time i went there was some guy that had what looked like a Plymoth Horison with ugly (like black and dirty) little wheels that totally stuck out the sides. the car looked like total crap but it whooped on many people

[Dr5D]

dude my dads best friend in Denver has a car exactly like that!!! cobra right? those hall balls! he autoXs as well. i know thats not him cause he dosent have chrome wheels.

[dj pyrotechnics]

yea there arent too many beaters that i see.. actually i saw porsches, bmws, celicas, saleens, and tons of other nice ass cars in some pics from the autox events here

[dj pyrotechnics]

oh also could you also try to answer the rest of my questions if you can

[Zzyzx]

Welcom to autocross......... have fun


answers to your questions.

1. Smaller is better!!!! basically you want the smallest/lightest wheel with the widest tire you can put on it. the smaller diamiter and lower weight will help with acceleration,.

I run a set of Rota SLipstreams 11.8lbs with Falken Azenis sport tires 205/50R15 (Cheep and sticky!)

2. you do not need to be a member to race locally. If you want to be involved with the nationals then yes you have to be a member. other then that, most clubs have Loaner helmets. Curently if you really want to buy a helmet, the minimum rating of that helmet is M98. I suggest getting a M2000 or better (SA2000).

3. The best way to learn is stock. But if you've all ready modded stuff then STS (where I race) is also a good place to start. Really, you dont need any thing at all on your car. Really. Basically at this point, with you never been autocrossing before, then NO mods will help you win, because YOU will be the only part making you slow. Its a hard pill to swallow but its true.

4. That really depends on you. right now all your cash should be spend on you and learning as much about handling and performance driving as you can. Go to a drivng school. Evoluton Performance Driving school is an Excelent place to start
once you find that the car is slowing you down, then its time to chang parts.

5. If you want show and race, then its going to get expensive. you want the car to be as light as possible (Amps and subwoofers should be light or easily removable.) Body kits probably will not help or hinder you much, unless its heavier then stock. (remeber low weight is your friend)


other wise, race the car how it is now. get use to it, how it pushes in the slow corners and is loose in the fast sweepers. also, TALK to all the OLD DRIVERS!!!!!! ask if you can walk the course with them, ask them about the track, see if you can ride with them, and when you do, watch the driver not the ride!!! you first year is nothing but learning, dont expect to win, but dont let that discurage you.

Keep racing and Keep the shiny side up!!

[Zzyzx]

oh ya, that cobra aint nothin.

think.....1900lbs with 500Hp

[dj pyrotechnics]

thanks for all your help zzyzx! unfortunately there are no events til sept so i cant go check out the autox before i try.. all i can do is watch some vids and see pics. im sure its nothing like being behind the wheel! for some reason tho i was thinking about autox all day at work and "rota slipstreams" was stuck in my head.. maybe god wants me to get those instead of my 18" arospeeds :-D