Contour Enthusiasts Group Archives Forums General Autocross and Open Track Future Auto Xer

I have a 96 Contour SE 5-speed and I want to start Auto Xing. The car is bone stock and it is a daily driver. Should I get a second set of wheels and tires to use when Auto Xing? It will need brakes soon anyway so I figured I would replace the pads before I start - what kind / brand of pads should I get? Anything else I should consider before I start? Any other tips / advice is appreciated. Thanks, Darin

Hello Darin,
I have been runing my 98 SE for one year now in Autocross in the Dallas area.
The first year all I did to the car was:
1) 4 point seat harness $60.00 ( keep my fat bottom in the seat!)
2) Set of front tires 205x50x15 Kumo 711's
on steel wheels. $300.00 ( keep from killing my daily tires!)
3) Good helment $250.00 ( I like my head!)
4) Spent the rest of my money on runing
as many events as I could !

The golden words are SEAT TIME and have a GOOD TIME! Learn how to autocross and how to read the courses then worry about making your car "FAST" over 80 percent of autocross is the DRIVER! Enjoy your first year and run as much as you can. Once you get the feel for autocross you will know what your car needs and what class you want to run in. Find the fast guys in your class
(you can run GS ( g-stock) or STS street touring) start in Novice class if you have one in your area)and ask alot of questions and watch the hot cars on the course! You can learn alot from watching!

Bats sells couple of break pads they run $40.00 and $100.00 let your wallet decide both are ok for first year.

Have a great time let us know what you think!

Vern Kilburn
SCCA STS #50