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Joined: Jun 2000
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Just finished my second Autocross.
For my first autocross, I had a full tank in the car, and did not have any problems with handling.
Second Autocross, had half a tank and the back end was quite loose. On my final run, actually lost control and went into a sideways skid after rotating 180 degrees.
I have eibach springs, with a 21 mm rear SCA sway bar. Tire pressure during the incident was 43 psi front, 38 psi rear. I run Bridgestone RE730 225/45 - 17 tires.
Any suggestions would be appreciated.
Thanks!
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Joined: Oct 2000
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I am baffled because I usually have more oversteer with a full tank and less when empty. Sudden fuel transfer sloshing on a half full tank could be the culprit. Try it either full empty or totally full. With your rear sway bar and Eibachs you should have even more oversteer, so nearly empty sounds like the ticket to avoid tail-swapping. You want initial oversteer, but too often that means aggravated drop throtte oversteer which is inevitable unless you are totally smooth.
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Joined: Apr 2001
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ya know.. I don't even pay much attention. It's usually somewhere in the middle. The fuel does affect handling, but to me, the difference btwn full and half isn't enough to matter.
I haven't tried empty because it's along ride home when I'm done.
Dave Andrews
Black&Tan 2000 SVT 225 of 2150
Bassani.. UNCORKED
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Joined: Jun 2000
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Cole is correct. More fuel should induce a little more oversteer. I run full fuel, but my car is completely stock so it's apples and oranges. Could there of been a tire pressure change or something else to dramatically effect the handling?
Chris
Chris
2001.5 Dodge Ram/Cummins 2500
1986 SCCA/ITS RX7 roadracer
2001 KY Region and Tri-Region STS Champion
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Thanks for the comments.
I will probably go back to a fuller tank as its a long drive to and from the track to my house. I will also increase the rear tire pressure to see if that helps.
Thanks!
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Joined: Aug 2000
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I use a full tank of gas when auto-X, more weight in the back to make the car less front heavy. However, I was told with my bar and brace in rear to try an empty tank to neutralize the handling a bit, which would be good advice for you as well, if looking to reduce oversteer... Will try and see.
I normally run 45 front 40 rear for pressure.
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