Basic STX build?
 

Hey. Im a relative newcomer to autocross, and I bought my Frs to get more involved. I already have some very mild mods on my car, ie: exhaust delete, 17x9 wheels/ RS-3s, Open Flash Tablet map, that would put me into STX in SCCA autocross. Could I get some suggestions as to what mods I should do to make the car "reasonably" competitive in this class. I have held off on suspension mods till now, but would like to pull the trigger. I am trying to avoid spending a fortune, but dont want to be so outclassed as to be a joke. I know seat time is the best investment, and I plan on getting lots of that (2-3 events a month for the rest of the year). Thanks!

Shocks, springs and front bar, assuming you get the desired camber numbers from lowering.


I believe you can get good coilover kits around $1600-$1800 ( RaceComp Engineering and Ground Control ), but I'm not exactly sure what all they include ( top mounts/ camber plates etc.)

Advice.. Lots of seat time without changing the car.. First year in..worst thing you can do is keep changing pArts on the car.

With a $300 set of performance springs your car will be very competitive at a club level. I'm running a similar setup to yours and placed 1st in STX, 3rd on PAX and 9th fastest raw time out out 97 entries for our last LVRSCCA event. My mods are 17x9 wheels, 245/40 Zll tires, RCE yellow springs, Openflash Tablet, Borla headers and some camber. I recently got involved in autocross myself last August so it really shows how good these cars are with minimal prep and experience. Good luck and have fun!

Thanks guys! Much appreciated! I was looking into RCE yellows, but my local shop is recommending Swift springs. Any thoughts? Also, are Koni sport shocks a worthwhile change?

You could be competitive with your car as it sits now.

I think either one would work, the Swift if I recall have higher rates in the rear where the RCE have the same rates front and rear. I'd probably take the RCE's myself. I'd probably look into a way to adjust the front camber as well, either bolts or plates of some sort.

TIC had a thread about some new lower-cost coilovers from HVT which may be worth looking into. Feal also makes some fairly low cost nicer coilovers, two of the top 10 cars in STX at nationals last year were on them.

I'd also recommend RCE yellows. Crash bolts are a good investment too.

I'm kinda in the same boat as OP. In the spring, I plan on getting tires (RS3s or Rivals), Shocks(Koni), Rear LCAs (SPC), crash bolts (SPC), and springs (RCE but still deciding between yellows or tarmacs).

What is your budget??? That would be crucial info to what you can do. I can give some suggestions.. depending on what your willing to spend..:)

Bill

I want to stay around 2k. I already have the tune and an axle-back exhaust, 17x 9 wheels anR-S3s. I also have a Whiteline front bar and ground- control coilover sleeves to install. I plan on using the stock shocks for a bit and see how they work out. I do use this car for my daily commute, so I dont want it to be too low or crazy stiff. Any guidance is much appreciated.
Jon

If you want a better ride, better quality shocks are the answer. You can have a stiff setup that drives well if the shocks are good enough. Stock shocks with just springs could ride worse than a proper coilover setup. Just something to think about.

As far as suspension goes, my general belief is to do it right or don't do it at all. If you half ass it, you're just going to end up buying something else later. Do it right the first time.

Save your money and just race. Loads to learn.

Come out to Cal. Speedway for the next practice on Feb 8th. I have a full STX build, and we can chat.

Let me know if you need help signing up.

^^^ talk to Max.. he's a good one to have on your side..;) ....especially since your in SoCal.. also great level of competition there.

Bill