Contour Enthusiasts Group Archives Forums General Autocross and Open Track Mods Vs Racing: My dilemma

Racing tires in this case means slicks or non-DOT approved tires. But there are racing compound tires that are DOT approved, like the BFG g-Force (formerly R1 I think). You will go through a set of tires in a full season, so if you really plan to throw yourself into this, it would be worth getting a set of lightweight rims (stock size of course, and it doesn't matter if they're ugly) and a set of sticky tires.

OK, then, to put it from the other direction: "Street Tires" includes any DOT-approved tires, even if they are classed as "competition" tires, and as long as they exceed the minimum treadwear rating. And, as long as they are not on the "prohibited" list. Correct?

Correct.

To reply to Roger's original question...99% of the time you run on the street, 1% you race. Set your car up for the way you run 99% of the time. Being new to racing, you won't be competitive anyway, so set it up the way YOU want to and let the class fall where it may. If that means STS (or if you want to invest in race tires, perhaps the less crowded STR?), then so be it. Then work on the most important aspect of racing, the driver.

My $.02,
Old Man Mike

Hey all,

Just wanted to thank you all again, and let you know what I've decided.

After considering all of your inputs and advice, and after searching the AutoX topic, etc. I've decided to just go ahead with my mod plan as far as I can and still stay in STS.

There's an event here in Wichita on 25 August that I'll be running "as is." I'm just barely in the STS category now, and I'll be running on all-season radials, but I don't care. As a couple of you have said, driver skill is priority one, and even though I consider myself a pretty good driver day to day, I'm in for an awakening.

Soon, I'll be upgrading my suspension, wheels and tires, and I'll treat next year as a learning experience.

Then, hopefully, for 2003, I'll have my car where I want it, and I can focus on running a stable setup and keep honing those skills.

Best thing about this whole question is that it has really focused my attention, solidified my vision of the "final product" I wish to achieve, and saved me a bundle of money on mods that would otherwise put me over the edge. There seems to be no end to the money you can spend on your car if you don't have limits.

Thanks, again.

Hey, Mr. TheMark, I just bought a 98 SVT and one of the first mods I want to do is the B&M shifter. Are you willing to part with yours? Let me know. Also, how do I find out whether or not my SVT is a 98.5? It looks exactly like my '99 SE (well, taillights, headlights and such). The production date is 5/97. Hope I didn't step on anybody's forum!

FYI generally a larger size rim and smaller tire usually equates to higher weight and more rotational mass- ie its harder for the engine to turn the wheels- stay with stock rim size and look for a rim that is lighter weight than your stock ones. or check with your new tire/wheel combo the weight and get the lightest.

True, but check out this actual plus-sizing test from Grassroots Motorsports . It completely shattered my notion that big wheels were merely cosmetic.

chickenhawk,

I wish I could bear to part with that shifter, but I can't. I spent a bit of time with the Dremmel making the thing fit in there, so it has been slightly 'modified' for my car (some people have stated that they never had to mess with it to get the reverse lockout to work...I was not so lucky, and had to do a LOT of grinding). So I would kinda feel wierd about selling the damaged merchandise. Additionally, it is probably my favorite mod to date, despite the fact that I no longer have it installed on my car. If, at some point, I decide to run STS, or perhaps even SM, then it is going to be the very first thing that I put back in the car.

I highly recommend this mod (though it is illegal for Stock racing *sigh*).

I understand perfectly. After all, it is the first mod I want to do!
ps-How can anyone tell its in? I mean, its only illegal if they know, right?