Should I AutoX?? - CEG Archives

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Well two Sunday's from today there is a local autocross that I can compete in. I wanna know if I will be wasting my time entering my stock SVT. My old car, a Probe GT with Tokico 5-Ways and Ground Control coil-overs felt like it would eat the Contour up in the turns. I love the ride of the SVT compared to my Probe, but it is very soft and overly sensitive. I love this car though and don't want to do it wrong in front of others before I upgrade the suspension. Well I know it is up to me, but what are your experiences with AutoXing a stock SVT.

I autox a stock SVT in GS and love it. Could it be better, sure. The key to autoxing a stock SVT is not to overdrive it and trail brake into corners slightly. Also start rolling onto the gas slowly. Other then that, have fun. I think you'll be pleasantly surprised. I've paxed top 5 in my region multiple times with the car and keep up with nationally competitive GS drivers.

IAMMSP-
Where do you live. I saw MSP in you handle and was wondering if you live in Minneapolis or St. Paul, Minnesota.

O3

There's a local guy who runs his stock SVT in STS and is usually in the top 2 or 3 finishers. Then there's me, sucking exhaust at the back of the field.

It's the driver. Work on that first, and have fun.

Well I am in Virginia...the MSP are my initials. So it sounds like I should go for it...the autox is run by the Mercedes Car Club of America and there are no real winners...just bragging rights. So what the hell, I'll probably see what she can do, I just hope I can outdo my buddy with a hopped up VW Rabbit. Oh yeah I'll be running Michelin HP's in 225/50/ZR16, hope they got what I need.

Other than actual driving hints aside, the BIGGEST key to autocrossing is to unbundle your sack and not be worried about "doing it wrong in front of others". I swear, that keeps so many potential fun-having autocrossers on the sidelines...

Originally posted by MFE:
unbundle your sack...

Don't worry, just go out and have a great time. All of the people that you'll encounter at the Autocross are more than willing to give you any assistance that you need. You get great advice and you'll definetly have a great time.

Hey dude, I drive a stock 98 CSVT with Kumho Ecsta 712 (225/50). I started autoxing last season, about six months after getting my car. Two weeks ago, I won G Stock against 9 other cars, including a Focus SVT. Granted, they were all new guys, but so am I, and I've been getting stomped by new guys in things like Mini Cooper S'.

I feel like the CSVT is kinda outmatched mechanically in G Stock, but like the guy said, a good driver in a slower car can easily outmatch a new kid in a hot rod.

It's totally a blast, and the comeraderie is tops. Have fun.

BTW, the East Tennessee Region SCCA is racing this Sunday (the 18th) at William Blount High School in Blount County. Any SE CEG-ers should come and watch. As far as I know, there's at least two CSVT's that should be there. I just got a new Bell helmet to try out (got tired of using those nasty sweaty loners

)

Originally posted by draonbreth32:

I feel like the CSVT is kinda outmatched mechanically in G Stock, but like the guy said, a good driver in a slower car can easily outmatch a new kid in a hot rod.

How do CSVTs do in STS? What is STS anyways?

Originally posted by draonbreth32:

I just got a new Bell helmet to try out (got tired of using those nasty sweaty loners )

Im just about to start AutoXing myself, and I was wonderin' about those helmets.... where can I find one and about how much do they cost? I cant imagine wanting to use the loaners much after my first or second event..? Thanks

Originally posted by draonbreth32:
I feel like the CSVT is kinda outmatched mechanically in G Stock, but like the guy said, a good driver in a slower car can easily outmatch a new kid in a hot rod.

I disagree that it is outmatched mechanically. I run with 3 other nationally competitive people in GS. I usually run 3/4, but my car is bone stock. No Konis, no exhaust, just race tires on stock wheels with a bad alignment. If I were to get lighter wheels, an exhaust, Konis (expecially this one), and a good alignment I could compete for 1/4. I am currently only .4 - .6 seconds off the leading guy which placed 7th this year at nationals in GS. Can the car win GS? I don't think so, can it trophy, hell yes.

Driver driver driver!!!!!!!!!! The nut behind the wheel is where everything happens. I took a bone stock Jetta VR6 on Azenis to a class win in a competitive STS class and also PAXed 1st in a bone stock Focus in HS with race tires. Trust me on this one guys, stock racing is all about driver skill and not so much about the car.

AS far as I know, STS allows certain suspension upgrades, etc. I know a guy who lowered his SVT and put it in STS, other than that, I don't know. The kid didn't do very well, but like we've been saying, it was more the driver than the car.
I personally wouldn't put a stock CSVT in STS, because you'd have to compete against people that have thoroughly upgraded their suspension and/or other components allowed in STS. Wait until you've bought upgrades for those systems and then transfer to STS.

I'll list points about helmets:

Must have SNELL M1995 rating or later (some clubs require M2000 or later).
I've heard that autocross helmets (read: open face) are more expensive than motorcycle helmets with similar features.
I wanted a motorcycle helmet because I plan on buying a bike in the next few years.
I went to the Honda motorcycle dealer in town and asked about Bell helmets.
I asked about Bell because they have such a good reputation. other brands include Arei, Shoei, KBC(?), etc. They are all competent helmets. Shop around.
The one I bought cost $107, $122 after S&H. It was the most basic, no frills helmet, but it's M2000 certified, and it was cheap.
$122 might sound expensive, but the more expensive carbon/Kevlar models start at about $250 and go up from there.
And, I have to ask, how much is your skull worth to you?

I hope that clears a few things up. Holler if you have any other questions.

Later

Jed

Originally posted by draonbreth32:

I personally wouldn't put a stock CSVT in STS, because you'd have to compete against people that have thoroughly upgraded their suspension and/or other components allowed in STS. Wait until you've bought upgrades for those systems and then transfer to STS.

Yeah, I'm actually thinking about upgrading to BAT struts and springs and then running STS. Think that would be a decent idea? Thanks for the information about the helmets, too - $120 is definitely not too much to pay for safety.

Originally posted by drfate100:

Yeah, I'm actually thinking about upgrading to BAT struts and springs and then running STS. Think that would be a decent idea?

There are quite a few people that have modified their cars within the confines of STS rules and done extremely well. If I remember correctly, one gentleman won a championship in STS in the St. Louis region year before last. Note that STL is a very large region, so winning a championship there is no small feat. His setup was Konis/Eibachs, Auzzie rear swaybar, and 17x8" wheels w/ Azenis, if you were curious. Also, there are a few 'tours that run STS in the Detroit region, and do well... So it is a very viable option. Some would argue it is even better than running GS. It really depends on what you want to do to the car, and maybe who runs GS/STS in your region.

I have heard that the BAT strut/spring combo is nice, though I do not know anyone who has raced this setup. One thing I would suggest if you are thinking about modifying your vehicle and competing in SCCA Solo II competition is to check out the rules for whatever class you are aiming at. This will give you an idea of what is/isn't allowed, as well as what you'll likely find others running in your class.

Nice Class Rules Site

The most important thing is to go and compete, and have fun. Skill comes with seat time.

Good luck.

Originally posted by draonbreth32:

I've heard that autocross helmets (read: open face) are more expensive than motorcycle helmets with similar features.

So can I not autox with my full face motorcycle helmet?

And about helmets... I paid $180 for mine... full face Shoei with a nice pearlescent burgundy paint... nothing too fancy, but nice enough by far.

MBSVT

What does it say on the back, or inside of the helmet?
SNELL? should be a number..

ERIC!!!

(Going off topic for a very short period of time)

Email/PM me! My SVT's back on the road and as soon as I tune it I'll be autoxing again so I'd love to get together sometime soon.
Plus I have the old SVT shortblock for sale if you still need and engine.

Originally posted by mbSVT:

Originally posted by draonbreth32:

I've heard that autocross helmets (read: open face) are more expensive than motorcycle helmets with similar features.

So can I not autox with my full face motorcycle helmet?

And about helmets... I paid $180 for mine... full face Shoei with a nice pearlescent burgundy paint... nothing too fancy, but nice enough by far.

You can autoX with a full helmet, as long as it meets those safety requirements listed above.

Originally posted by mbSVT:

Originally posted by draonbreth32:

I've heard that autocross helmets (read: open face) are more expensive than motorcycle helmets with similar features.

So can I not autox with my full face motorcycle helmet?

And about helmets... I paid $180 for mine... full face Shoei with a nice pearlescent burgundy paint... nothing too fancy, but nice enough by far.

In autox motorcycle helmets (full-face or open) are allowed as long as they are 1995 or newer spec Snell approved. Inside the helmet should be a Snell sticker. If it is 1995 or later you are good to go.

There are not autox helmets specifically. However, Automobile racing helmets are more expensive then Motorcycle helmets, as a general rule, as they actually must meet a higher standard. ??? Go figure!??

Jim

One of the big difference between a motorcycle and a automotive helmet is the automotive ones are lined with Nomex, thats why they tend to cost a little more.
www.racerwholesale.com is where I got my Gforce helmet

Originally posted by JETNBYA:

Originally posted by mbSVT:

Originally posted by draonbreth32:

I've heard that autocross helmets (read: open face) are more expensive than motorcycle helmets with similar features.

So can I not autox with my full face motorcycle helmet?

And about helmets... I paid $180 for mine... full face Shoei with a nice pearlescent burgundy paint... nothing too fancy, but nice enough by far.

In autox motorcycle helmets (full-face or open) are allowed as long as they are 1995 or newer spec Snell approved. Inside the helmet should be a Snell sticker. If it is 1995 or later you are good to go.

There are not autox helmets specifically. However, Automobile racing helmets are more expensive then Motorcycle helmets, as a general rule, as they actually must meet a higher standard. ??? Go figure!??

Jim

SA (special application) helmets (as used in road racing) are nomex lined, as said, but also must meet a standard for repeated blows, such as might be encountered while bouncing around inside a car (against the roll cage, et al) rolling over multiple times. Also, the eye opening in a full face is allowed to present a smaller field of view than the motorcycle standard allows.

They are more expensive for a reason.

That said, I bought a Snell M95 AGX motorcycle full-face on Ebay for $65, and it's plenty good for autox.

Dude, you didn't buy it used, did you?? Insanely bad idea...

No, brand new, but "last year's model," so to speak. Warranty and everything.

awesome