|
|
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 144
Member
|
OP
Member
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 144 |
I would really start to auto X my zetec but I was wondering how a Zetec would fair against its competition, especially since it's an ATX. I think the Zetecs are considered H Stock IIRC what all do they allow you to change? Couldn't I get aftermarket wheels if they are still the same size as the stock ones? What all can I do to this car to make it competitive but still adhere to the class rules?
Remy
Remy
-----------------------------------
T-Red 2000 SE Zetec ATX
Gutted Air Box
Removed Door Ding Guards
Added Side Markers
-----------------------------------
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 1,539
Member
|
|
Member
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 1,539 |
You can go aftermarket wheels if they have the same diameter and width and are within 1/4" on offset. Different air filter is OK, as are different shocks. Catback exhaust is OK, and autocross tires make the biggest difference. But stock means stock for a reason, so mods are limited.
As you stated, you would be in H Stock. To be honest, H Stock is not that slow anymore thanks to this year's reclassifications. Check out my post on Pro Solo to see a BMW 318 and MR2 battling it out for the victory in H Stock!
I was impressed by JC-Aimhigher's performance at last year's Spring Zing autocross. He finished well despite his Zetec motor and automatic!!
Fastest Contour at SZ 2002 Auto-X. 10th in PAX out of 125. CEO of FOGEY(Fast Old Guys Emasculating Young-uns), Inc. Terry Haines, Chairman, Senior V.P.s: (alphabetical)JavaContour, Jet Mech, MFE, SeicoRacing, SVTSTS, Vern Kilburn. If your not a member, yet, wait a few years. I'm not just the CEO, but I'm a member, too. Working with the rank and file to get the job done right!
Historical:
63 TVR (1K in 74), 75 TR-7 (paid cash new), 79 RX-7 (zoom,zoom), 81 RX-7GSL (autobahn-driven),82 Mustang GT (autobahn-driven), 85 Mustang GT (SE Division F Stock Solo II Champ), 86 MR-2 (3rd SE Division D Stock), 88 Civic DX (had 1st born and still owned MR2) 92 Sentra SE-R (all go and no show), 98 EO SVT Contour (FTD SZ 2002). 02 Altima 3.5SE 5 spd!!!
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 3,636
Member
|
|
Member
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 3,636 |
Originally posted by SVTCole:
I was impressed by JC-Aimhigher's performance at last year's Spring Zing autocross. He finished well despite his Zetec motor and automatic!! Yeah, Like everyone else, he was faster than me in my SVT  
Tony Boner Personal: 98cdw27@charter.net Work: tony.boner@sun.com Saving the computer world from WinBloze as Unix/Solaris/Java Guru http://www.sun.com 1998 Contour SVT Pre-E1 618/6535 Born On Date: 4/30/1997 Now with Aussie Bar induced mild oversteer.
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 219
Member
|
|
Member
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 219 |
Just a clarification to SVTCole's post about allowable mods for Stock class competition, the replacement air filter must fit in the STOCK airbox. The best choice for this tends to be a K&N air filter. The only reason I mention this is that we had a person show up at a local event with a K&N cone filter attached to the MAF thinking it was allowable due to the air filter replacement rule.
Respectfully,
Andy Hohl
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 144
Member
|
|
OP
Member
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 144 |
What about gutting the airbox? I have already done that so is it permissible? So I can use aftermarket rims if I stick with 15"s? Any recomendations on these? Also what are the best shocks to use and what kind are allowable? IS there a class for modded suspension only or do I have to step up to a class that also permits engine mods? And lastly does anyone know of anywhere around Willmington, NC that I could get some track time in at?
Remy
-----------------------------------
T-Red 2000 SE Zetec ATX
Gutted Air Box
Removed Door Ding Guards
Added Side Markers
-----------------------------------
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 219
Member
|
|
Member
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 219 |
I don't have a Zetec so I don't know what gutting the airbox entails, but to be legal you can not modify the airbox. You can only replace the drop-in filter. Up to double- adjustable struts are legal, but the adjustable Koni's that are available for the Contours are a good choice.
For wheels, you want a light wheel. I don't know if the Kosei K-1 Racing are available in a Contour size, but they are light and strong at about $140 a wheel. IMHO, just go to a local auto-x and run. If you decide you like it, get a rule book and see what of mods are needed to be legal in a class.
Good Luck,
Andy Hohl
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 144
Member
|
|
OP
Member
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 144 |
Gutting the air box means removing the resonator tube inside it and some people remove the "tube that connects the airbox to the hole in the fender for the other resonator. I don't have any holes cut in it or anything. Yeah the k-1s are on the tire rack site for the tour, i just don't really like the way it looks.
Remy
-----------------------------------
T-Red 2000 SE Zetec ATX
Gutted Air Box
Removed Door Ding Guards
Added Side Markers
-----------------------------------
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 219
Member
|
|
Member
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 219 |
For stock class, the air box mod you describe is not legal, but would be legal in STS/STX.
The reason I mentioned the Kosei K-1 Racing is in case you want a second set of race only wheels. These are very popular wheels in the autocross community due to their light weight, strength and are relatively(sp) inexpensive.
Respectfully,
Andy Hohl
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 529
Member
|
|
Member
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 529 |
Here's another question about the allowable wheels...
I use the 16" E1 SVT wheels on my Zetec. Techically speaking, they are not the stock wheels that came on the car, but they are stock Contour wheels. Would they be allowable in H Stock? If not, I guess I could throw a set of comp tires on my stock 15's.
Andrew Morris \'99 SE Zetec ATX All of life's big problems include the words "indictment" or "inoperable." Everything else is small stuff.
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 219
Member
|
|
Member
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 219 |
I don't know all the Contour options, but if 16" wheels are a manufacturer option on a 4-cyl Contour, then IMHO they would be allowed. The key word is manufacturer option, they cannot be dealer installed. You would still have to deal with the size restraints of these wheels.
Also in a protest, you would have to prove the legality of your decision.
Respectfully,
Andy Hohl
|
|
|
|
|
