Setup to compete

[mrphotoman]

I was suprised there were no stickies in this section dealing with the basics. I am totally new to this so that would have been helpful.

Here is what I have in terms of suspension mods:

-RRM front strut bar
-Stock front sway bar
-Progress rear sway bar
-RRM rear strut bar
-H&R lowering springs
-Drilled/sloted rotors
-Hawk brake pads, SS brake lines


What are the most reasonably priced tires out there? I like Hankooks a lot, any particular models under that brand I should look at?

Any other suspension mods that are not high dollar I should invest in?

I hope you guys do not mind TONS of questions because I am going to have just that.

[SeanB]

Just bring the car and run. You are already likely in SP/ST*/SM because of your suspension mods. I believe you will be in SM because of your engine mods. Buying sticky tires or spending endless dollars on your suspension or engine won't do you any good right now. The key thing is to get seat time, this is one sport where the faster driver wins.

Glad to see you taking steps towards participating with us, seriously drop the credit card and check book and just come race. (Well bring the check book, you gotta pay us to race.)

[mrphotoman]

Just bring the car and run. You are already likely in SP/ST*/SM because of your suspension mods. I believe you will be in SM because of your engine mods. Buying sticky tires or spending endless dollars on your suspension or engine won't do you any good right now. The key thing is to get seat time, this is one sport where the faster driver wins.

Glad to see you taking steps towards participating with us, seriously drop the credit card and check book and just come race. (Well bring the check book, you gotta pay us to race.)

Lol okay sounds good.

I definately need some tires though, mine are wore out.

[SeanB]

Lol okay sounds good.

I definately need some tires though, mine are wore out.

Autox kills street tires, so if you have some crappy worn tires run those.

Ask me how I know...

I killed a set of Falken Azenis 440 tread wear all seasons in 9000 miles with 20 autoxes.

[mrphotoman]

Yeah I am sure it destroys them quickly.

Do they count traction bars and rear mounted battery as suspension mods? I have those as well, I will need to make extra sure my battery is bolted down I am sure.

[SeanB]

Yeah I am sure it destroys them quickly.

Do they count traction bars and rear mounted battery as suspension mods? I have those as well, I will need to make extra sure my battery is bolted down I am sure.

Rear mount battery is legal in SP/SM/ST*, and do make sure its bolted down well. You'll be in SM, which has a lot more mods that you can do but for now I wouldn't worry about anything other than running.

[lilred]

Like Sean said, its a drivers race. Your first few steps will be learning how your car behaves and figuring out the course. Dont worry about knocking down cones and missing a gate, its all part of the event. Theres plenty of "pro's" that miss a gate or plow a few cones over.

I love Hankooks also, IMHO if you plan to autox them get nothing below the RS-2's. However if you do plan to autox and often (which you would find out after your first event or two) then you should honestly consider getting stickies and some lightweight wheels. But you have a few months to decide and save up.

[sts 50]

Seat time is much more important than mods. Spend a few bucks on "Secrets of Solo Racing". The author's name is Watts, I think. Have somebody stuff it in you stocking!

[SeanB]

What Scott said... good book to read.

http://www.amazon.com/Secrets-Solo-Racing-Techniques-Autocrossing/dp/0962057312/sr=8-1/qid=1164772394/ref=sr_1_1/105-6758637-6493237?ie=UTF8&s=books

$11 + shipping on Amazon.

[ShortysTRM]

That book is awesome. It may not be brand new or anything, but it really puts a lot into perspective that you'd never thought about before.

[mrphotoman]

Cool I will check that out.