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- - New guy needs advice (https://www.ft86club.com/forums/showthread.php?t=33647)

New guy needs advice

So, I'm going to attend my first autocross soon. I wanted to get a bit of advice if possible. I have been reading all I can, I plan to run stock class, as my car is stock. But, After researching legal mods for the class, I'm thinking of picking up a strano's front sway, and some hankook rs3's. What mods would you guys recommend?

Car mods for first time autocrossing? How about no mods?

Seat time just to modify the nut behind the wheel :thumbsup:

I'm sure you can do one sway bar, and Sam's front would be one of a few good choices. I'm running the front Whiteline 20mm adj on mine. In stock you are limited in the number and types of mods you can do. I'd strongly suggest you read the rules (http://www.scca.com/assets/2013%20Solo%20Rules.pdf) before you spend any money as you don't want to take off expensive parts because they aren't legal for stock.

Oh yeah, have FUN!!! :thumbup:

This was my recommendation on another thread.. :)

Quote:

Originally Posted by GTM_Challenge (Post 822076)

Here's my input.

If you're new to autocross, don't worry about mods, classes, or anything. Get out there and experience it. Drive the car as it is. You're not going to be competitive starting out anyways. Get your feet wet, study up on classes, see how similar cars are being prepped and how competitive they are, then choose the class that best fits your budget and local competition.

RTR seems like the best balance between mods, competition, and tire selection.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Scooby South (Post 822832)

^^^^ this... Here's what I recommend... If your Brand new...go learn what the car can do.. and develop your skill in RTR..RTR doesn't require a lot of cash... it will require some.. but your better off learning what the car does before you start spending money. Me, I knew right away I was building a STX car out of the box, so I had a plan and pretty much stuck to it. Heres where alot of people get messed up.. they do some mods to the car... THEN try autocross...only to be put in a class that they will never win because the mods they did put them there. if your ok with that then by all means, go have fun and not worry about it. Once you get into the competitive spirit of whatever class you going to run, then do some research and mod away.. But for now, for you, stick to something simple and learn how to drive. :)

Enjoy
Bill

Like everyone says, go stock. I personally also think it would be better to drive you car stock and then to modify it so you REALLY know and feel what those mods do and how they transform your car. You won't be competitive at all until you've had a good amount of seat time. To be competitive in Stock class, RS3's also wouldn't cut it. You would need a separate set of wheels and R-compounds. Best to learn stock as you will learn faster too. You'll get more bang for the buck practice days too as a recommendation.

Like everyone has said, it would be much better to drive the car stock with zero mods first. You can always purchase add-ons later. I autocrossed for three years with my Z, then I purchased the BRZ and just broke her in today....completely stock...

After the advice, I'll go stock and go from there, thanks guys.

hey guys i went to my first autocross event yesterday, but i didnt enter as my car only has 400 miles. but i was wondering when i do enter in 2 weeks can i run the car with the stock tires and not leave the event with bald tires or do i need to buy some extra rims/tires just to run one event?

Quote:

Originally Posted by sweetfrs (Post 868531)

You'll be fine with the stock tires.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dave-ROR (Post 868536)

You'll be fine with the stock tires.

will it ruin them badly?

Just go all stock. Playing with tire pressures and getting used to driving the car with the nannies off will keep you busy in your first day. I know, I was in the same spot a couple months ago :) . The tires will be completely fine, the amount of wear will be negligible.

Quote:

Originally Posted by sweetfrs (Post 868541)

will it ruin them badly?

Not really. You may cup them a bit but I wouldn't worry about it.

ha... after reading all this it makes me wish I had held off a bit on modding...kinda.
Catback, light weight pulley, short shifter, panel filter... am i screwed?

Quote:

Originally Posted by sweetfrs (Post 868541)

will it ruin them badly?

I think I've done 3 events on the stock tires. I had them off recently and they look just fine. Make sure you run higher pressures (I liked 45f/43r but didn't really bother playing with them) and keep a water sprayer handy as the tire gets really awful to drive when it overheats. Other than that, have fun!

PS: you don't need to wait for the break in...I ran mine at an event 12 hours after purchase.