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I was just wondering how well our cars do at auto cross with minor mods. I'd like to try to get into a few and try my hand at it, but I'd like to know where I stand going in. So for the sake of discussion... auto EX with intake and a cat-back. Does a well driven civic like I described have a chance against a higher hp car that does not handle as well (ie camaro)? I think it was FamilyMan who had some quote that if you want to go fast at auto cross, go slow. I read the Solo II Novice Handbook the FamilyMan linked to, and it makes it sound like its all about the driver and substantially less dealing with the performance of the car. So obviously, my question is, can we successfully compete?

 
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I can't answer your question, but do you have that link you were reffering to that Familyman posted? I'm going to do my first autocross in 2 weeks.

 
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From what I've read and been told (I haven't done it yet, soon...) by my friend who auto x's his 1984 944, Brakes are a bigger help. How far you can go before you have to brake is important. Most autocross tracks aren't fast, but have lots of corners. Handling, brakes and acceleration (an auto isn't going to help this) are more important than flat out speed. So if you've stiffened up your suspension any, you've got a small car that will corner quite well, don't expect to chase down any M3's, but I don't think you'll be dead last either.

 
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Haha, I got the link on the thread that you posted about doing your first auto-x. The site is http://www.tirerack.com/features/solo2/handbook.htm

 
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I autocross my car. Its alot of fun. It would be more fun if you had a 5 speed. I dont have any engine mods, just upper strut and lower tie bar and 215/45 zr 17s. I compete quite well with every one, but its all about the driver. I can beat my best friend in his 2001 Jetta 1.8T with a chip and exhaust and eibach prokit. Just go out and hav efun though. I just bought konis and skunk2 coilovers and will be racing on a .8 mile track soon.

thats 1.8 mile track

 
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That puts you in STS, so you'll likely be racing against cars that vary widely in their levels of preparation. Nationally subaru 2.5RSes have been the cars to beat in this class. Other cars that are capable include Integras, Neons, early Civic hatchbacks, Escort GTs, etc.

It depends on your definition of sucess. If sucess means doing well against other similar cars on street tires with similar mods, then yes you could be quite sucessful. If sucess means winning your class, it depends on your region and how compeditive the class is. If sucess means putting down the fastest raw time of the day, you've got the wrong car for sure.

[QUOTE]Quote
[hr]Does a well driven civic like I described have a chance against a higher hp car that does not handle as well (ie camaro)?Q]

Not to be rude, but you seem to have the whole "camaros suck in tha twiztiez" riceboy stereotype going on here. You do realize that camaros handle very well don't you? You won't be classed directly with them anyway, so i wouldn't make too big of a fuss over it.

 
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[QUOTE]Quote
[hr]Originally posted by: white2K2EX
FamilyMan who had some quote that if you want to go fast at auto cross, go slow. [QUOTE]Quote
[hr]

what happened to family man btw?

 
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I race STS and we race in a PAX class and everyones car is competeing against each other and each gets a handicap for the mods and stuff. AutoX courses are really tight. I have only once got into 3rd gear. If you know how to drive you can beat cars that are way "faster" then yours.

 
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Neonmike - actually I didn't know Camaros handle that well. I mentioned the Camaro because its a popular car with a lot of middle class kids who want to terrorize stoplights in my area. Other than that all I've read have been articles which didn't exactly praise them for their handling, but did for their acceleration. (motor trent/ auto week, not honda tuning). And by success, I don't mean taking first place by any means, but a respectable finish all things considered. I don't want to do it so I can win tons of trophies (although I wouldn't complain if I could). I want to do it to have fun, it looks like something I would enjoy. And if I came off as some kid who bought a Civic to recreate the Fast and the Furious. Then I'm sorry, I'm not. Well, I am a kid, but I chose the car because of the looks and gas mileage. I hope that clears a little bit up.

 
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Well you've got the right attitude. [IMG]i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif[/IMG] Maybe someday you can get a ride in a LS1 with the handling package, i don't think i've said "holy shi..." that many times in a car before. Have fun!

 
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Pardon my ignorance, but what is an LS1?

 
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The current GM 5.7L V8 found in the new bodystyle camaros, firebirds, and corvettes.

 
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when you autocross, dont they put you in special groups? cause thats the point of autocrossing vs nsx, s2000, bwm, etc?

 
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AutoX is all about the driver. Experience is the MOST important thing. On very tight courses, like the last one we had, our cars have the advantage over bigger stronger cars. But it's ALL about experience and patience. I have about a year experience, which isn't much, but I can beat newer guys in an RSX-S, 2002 VW GTI 1.8t, etc., even new and old camaros. Just get out there and get some experience. I personnally think that those AutoX books are better AFTER you have competed a few times, they make more sense to you.