CS or STX
 

Guys,
Planning to race next year on a local level. (autox)
I have a few yrs experience, FWIW, 2000-2004/5 ish. Gave it up for various reasons.


Debating whether to race my new FR-S in Stock CS class or STX.
I know I can move from CS to STX. BUT... I am about to buy some rims. I am buying Enkei RPF1 rims and although the 17x7 look to be perfect for CS, I am thinking 17x8 and going to STX. Not much choice in tires at that size though.
I like that both classes will use 140 rated tires (if I understand correctly?)
Any thoughts?


I presently have a catback and a TRD intake. No other mods. I know the intake comes off if I race CS. I have all the original intake parts, so its no problem.

Classes are silly. Just run in the *fun* run group and compare your results with other cars / drivers. I don't want someone telling me what I can and can't put on my car, sorry. I think there should be *some* classes to separate out the run groups, but not so many different ones.

You can run a 245 tires on an 8" wheel so there's plenty of tire selection. I'm not sure if there will be rubbing, though. Do you know about the local competition for both classes? You may want to run against the class with the larger numbers/tougher competition.

I think, since the TRD intake is a dealer option that it can be used in CS. Hmm what's everyone else's thoughts on this?

I agree with G Ride and suggest finding out what the competition is like in either class first. Here in Chicago region there are usually only 2 or 3 cars in CS, but in STX it is consistently a field of 10 or so cars and the competition is usually very close (unless the Milwaukee boys come down and thrash us all). I run STX with 17x8 wheels and whiteline camber bolts as my only mods, and the car is reasonably competitive - and I have lots of room to grow into future mods.

Bottom line is I feel limited in the mods I might make (if I go to CStock).
STX is more in line with what I'd like to do to the car.
Wider rims/tires
overpipe etc.
Lowering.

I just like to be in a class I can be competetive in. If the car does a fair job in STX, I'd like to be there.

Dealer add-ons are not necessarily legal, if they fit under the comfort/convenience clause then they would be, but performance ones such as dealer option STi/TRD springs or the intake like you mention are not. They have to be part of a manufacturer specified trim package.

EDIT: I checked Scion's site and the way they market that part, it does appear to be a manufacturer optional part... not JUST a dealer installed performance compoent... this one may be a gray area that needs further clarification.

If you just want to mod your car and have fun then just do STX. Staying within the Stock rules is a pain unless your plan is to try to start being competitive and going to National events. I am running CS because I plan to go to Nationals, but I sure would love to have some more leeway to modify things.

Thank you! SCCA's Solo2 classing is crap imo.

Honestly, I would take a novice season in CS even if you have experience. The car does extremely well in CS - if you're a good driver, you can definitely be competitive. Get use to the feel of the car, plan your mods, then consider STX. You'll improve your reflexes and car control and have a better idea what should be modified in order to prep for STX.

Stay in Stock for a year, learn the car and see how much you want to jump into autocrossing again. If you are just getting back into it starting to mod the car to be competitive might steer you away again. If you just want to have fun I think staying stock and enjoying driving and not working on the car/modding all the time is the way to go. Unless you are like me and can't not try to void warranty's.

Its the modding I like. :) To a certain extent...

My logic is saying ----- buy the 17x8 rims and try autoxing again, if I dont wish to continue, I still have a great set of light, wide rims that look great.

Agreed. I would like clarification...

Buy an OEM intake and be done with it...or commit to STX and start investing...

:iono:

Tune + header alone are worth going to STX. Something you get enjoy every time you drive the car.