STX Rules and Setup Questions

[MTCRX]

stock rear sways are typical with a stiffer front. I run Strano front sway and I like it.

[jbailey8748]

That's what I figured

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[ハチロク]

Originally Posted by MTCRX

IF you are modding up to STX and want to be competitive you have to go all in. That means making all the mods that are allowable and common. Otherwise you will be left behind. It gets expensive, but the car runs and handles so much better.

My plan (in the long run) is to do all the allowable suspension mods but I'm kind of weary about messing with my powertrain. Tunes make me nervous and I have reservations about putting an aftermarket headerback and changing the stock cat. technically it's illegal to change your catalytic converter to anything other than a stock replacement, and I think that's only if your stock one breaks.

[cjd]

Originally Posted by Shark_Bait88

I might be alright in Chicago region, but I know that I'll be out-gunned if I venture up to any Milwaukee events (or any of those guys head down here). lol.

Am I really that slow?

Yes, I'm afraid I am. You're right about the difference in the two clubs and STX though. Need to revitalize the class!

Seat time and alignment (and tires) are your biggest mods. Figure out what needs a change before diving in.

C

[Silver Ignition]

So what do you guys think about a 255/40R17? I know almost everyone runs 245/40R17 but do you think the 10mm of extra width is worth going for?

[MTCRX]

Originally Posted by justinco

Radiator/steering wheel is allowed so long as no performance (ie: weight reduction, smaller size, etc) benefit, right? Or did they change the proposed rule to be different?

If that is still the case, I do not see any reason to change the wheel or radiator, unless you just want a cooler looking wheel? (I would have done this for the ugly wheel on my e36 hah)

Regarding the steering wheel. In stock and Street Touring classes I believe steering wheels with airbags cannot be replaced.

[e1_griego]

^That's changed for 2016.

As far as 255s, my 255 rs3s on 17x9 +35 were catching the car somewhere in front close to the lock, so I decided to switch back down to 245 re71s. Ride height is probably a factor, as is coilover choice, but 255s didn't work perfectly. Might still be worth the extra 10mm of tire, though.

[xwd]

Originally Posted by ハチロク

My plan (in the long run) is to do all the allowable suspension mods but I'm kind of weary about messing with my powertrain. Tunes make me nervous and I have reservations about putting an aftermarket headerback and changing the stock cat. technically it's illegal to change your catalytic converter to anything other than a stock replacement, and I think that's only if your stock one breaks.

Besides driving, tires make the single biggest difference. Really depends at what level you plan on competing, if it's a higher level against good competition, power mods including going to a single high flow cat are going to be necessary.

[cjd]

But

Originally Posted by Silver Ignition

So what do you guys think about a 255/40R17? I know almost everyone runs 245/40R17 but do you think the 10mm of extra width is worth going for?

I ran 255 all season, they seem tougher to get to temp. . not sure the width was beneficial overall. Toward the ends of the season I was pushing pressure really low.

[Shark_Bait88]

Originally Posted by cjd

Am I really that slow?

Yes, I'm afraid I am. You're right about the difference in the two clubs and STX though. Need to revitalize the class!

Seat time and alignment (and tires) are your biggest mods. Figure out what needs a change before diving in.

C

Lol I meant it more in the sense that participation is low. You've got a header/tune and the right size wheels and tires, so I'm sure you'll still have me. Haha

[Silverspeed]

Originally Posted by Silver Ignition

So what do you guys think about a 255/40R17? I know almost everyone runs 245/40R17 but do you think the 10mm of extra width is worth going for?

My experience testing back-to-back is that the 255's did in fact show the ability to create more grip (peak G's on data logger) but felt sloppier in transitions.


That and I found I had to run higher pressures with the larger tire because of the corresponding wider sidewall - this lead to a bit more unpredictable break away. I'm sure with some practice I could have learned the "feel" of the larger tire. On big courses, the top end gearing advantage holds some value as well as the added grip.


I have always wanted to test a 255/35-18 as I think this could be a great set up especially for nations type courses. Narrow sidewall, wider tread and larger diameter. Based on what I saw at Nats last year I think the 2nd place finisher used that set up. The cost is prohibitive though, and added weight. Tough to find a lightweight set of 18x9 wheels for less than a kidney.

[RedBRZ80]

Originally Posted by e1_griego

^That's changed for 2016.

As far as 255s, my 255 rs3s on 17x9 +35 were catching the car somewhere in front close to the lock, so I decided to switch back down to 245 re71s. Ride height is probably a factor, as is coilover choice, but 255s didn't work perfectly. Might still be worth the extra 10mm of tire, though.

I defer to the national champ guys.. They all run 245/40 on a 17x9. So easy button is pushed.

The quicker turn in of the 245 makes up for the added grip of the 255

[DocWalt]

Heh. 245s vs stock, should be a hell of a step up for me this year

[e1_griego]

I think I posted in here a few weeks ago about my MCS singles in front making noise. I sent the fronts back to them and while they couldn't find anything in the loud one, they did rebuild it and it seems to have fixed the issue! Hooray! Their customer service was really top notch -- very very impressed.

I threw in my strano bar yesterday along with my spherical endlinks (which apparently don't have enough articulation and just loosen up and clatter around -- whiteline endlinks are en route... ). Big front bar feels great. Also put in the whiteline diff bushings and the Giken. It's lovely.

I also ended up getting those Kosei K6Rs on closeout from Tire Rack just so I'm not putting a ton of street miles on the RE71s. Picked up a set of Conti DW to street drive instead. K6Rs would look better if my car wasn't DGM haha -- color matches too closely. But they're just autox wheels so whatever.