AutoX beginner, wanting some tips

[tahdizzle]

I ran with my VSC on the first couple of events. Ultimately you'll be faster with it off; however, in my opinion the Nannies are not the biggest concern when driving the car stock.

In my opinion the tires are the weak link in the Twins. You can easily test the limits of your tires in VSC mode.

My recommendation is run VSC mode until YOU feel that VSC mode is slowing you down. Then turn off the nannies via button so the computer will allow you more slip angle.

[Jawnathin]

Originally Posted by HunterGreene

First, I saw the recommendation on slightly over-inflating the tires--good idea or not? I know from looking around that it reduces the contact patch slightly, but doesn't really change the traction of the tires--not that there is much in the first place.

Secondly, what are your recommendations for newbie VSC/Traction control settings? I know running with all the nannies on is not the best idea, so I was thinking at least the VSC off. I wasn't planning on doing the "Pedal dance," but if it would really be a good idea to run with everything except ABS off as a newbie, I'll welcome the challenge.

If you're running stock tires, I would bump up the pressures, especially in the front. They're soft and tend to roll over when pushed. Inflating the tires will stiffen the sidewall a bit, helping to prevent the tires from rolling over. I wouldn't worry about contact patch or trying to maximize grip on your first event out. That won't be what holds you back.

An experienced driver would be better off without the nannies. I find that they're very restrictive and the car is plenty easy to drive without them. But being that you've resurrected the thread and presumably inexperienced, it really depends on your comfort level. Your first few runs at your first event will be an overwhelming experience. My recommendation would be to try your first run or two with it on (or in Sport), learn the course and concentrate on the line and driving. Then on your last few runs,i f you're a bit more comfortable and realizing autocrossing isn't that scary, try turning it off and seeing how you like it. This car is very intuitive and forgiving when pushed hard, it is a lot happier and more fun with everything off.

Autocross is great in that you have multiple runs and you can experiment with the cars settings (Traction Control, Shock Settings, Tire pressures, etc) throughout the day. You don't have to stick to one thing for an entire event.

BTW, I don't even bother with the pedal dance. I also played around with VSC Sport mode and it didn't feel any different to me than fully on.

[DaDr00]

Holy necrobump batman!

I ran at 35# all weekend on the stock Turanzas and didn't suffer too much with excess under or oversteer. I've been autocrossing for almost a decade now, and I normally turn off every assist that's available. BUT, if you're new to the car and autocrossing I'd absolutely run in VSC mode until you feel comfortable with what to expect from then car when you toss it around a cone.

Good luck and have fun!

[tahdizzle]

... Turanzas are not stock on a BRZ/FR-S.
What tires do you guys have on yours?

The primacies have a very stiff sidewall (characteristic of a LRR tire), and I feel that anything above 38 psi when hot makes the car push.

[Jawnathin]

Originally Posted by tahdizzle

... Turanzas are not stock on a BRZ/FR-S.
What tires do you guys have on yours?

The primacies have a very stiff sidewall (characteristic of a LRR tire), and I feel that anything above 38 psi when hom makes the car push.

A number of FRSes (and possibly BRZs) came with Bridgestone Turanzas instead of the Michelin Primacys.

Here is a thread about it here - http://www.ft86club.com/forums/showthread.php?t=18519

Compared to the type of tires autocrossers want to use (Max/Extreme Summer) the Primacys have a soft sidewall and will rollover on the edges when driven aggressively unless pressures were raised. I had put mine up to 35PSI cold in the front and 32PSI in the rear. Felt that was a good balance.

[BRZZZZZZZZZZ]

Things that really help me:

Seating position. One thing to note is you can turn your headrest backward to accommodate your helmet better when racing.
When doing your course walk, walk where you would be sitting in the car when you go around the course, is the cone on the left or right, how close are you going to be?
Eyes up! You should be looking one corner ahead, it will keep you on course and help your lines.
Don't be afraid to whack cones, but do tape over any 3M you don't want to contact, as cone marks will never come out of 3M...

[HunterGreene]

Originally Posted by DaDr00

Holy necrobump batman!

I ran at 35# all weekend on the stock Turanzas and didn't suffer too much with excess under or oversteer. I've been autocrossing for almost a decade now, and I normally turn off every assist that's available. BUT, if you're new to the car and autocrossing I'd absolutely run in VSC mode until you feel comfortable with what to expect from then car when you toss it around a cone.

Good luck and have fun!

This has pretty much been my most successful necrobump so far Thanks for the advice!

Originally Posted by Jawnathin

Compared to the type of tires autocrossers want to use (Max/Extreme Summer) the Primacys have a soft sidewall and will rollover on the edges when driven aggressively unless pressures were raised. I had put mine up to 35PSI cold in the front and 32PSI in the rear. Felt that was a good balance.

The Primacy recommended cold inflation is 35 PSI.

[tahdizzle]

I really don't think the primacies have a softer sidewall than a RS3, zII, re11a, AD08s...

Their reinforced and Michelin says you drive 80km on them with 0 tire pressure.

[Jawnathin]

Originally Posted by HunterGreene

The Primacy recommended cold inflation is 35 PSI.

That's interesting, whenever I bring in the car for service, they always drop my air pressure down to 30-32. I always had to re inflate for an autocross after a service.

Anyway, 35F/32R cold are the pressures I ran on the car 100% stock and it felt pretty good for me. But your results may vary as your surface grip, driving style, and even air pressure gauge may be different from mine. After a few runs, check out your tires. If its rolling over to the sidewall, just give it more pressure. If the wear isn't to the edges of the shoulder, then you may have too much air pressure. Adjust to your style and preference.

Originally Posted by tahdizzle

I really don't think the primacies have a softer sidewall than a RS3, zII, re11a, AD08s...

Their reinforced and Michelin says you drive 80km on them with 0 tire pressure.

The OEM Primacy HPs are not run flats and will not run 80km with 0PSI. Driving without air pressure on the stock tires will tear them to shreds and could damage something.

[tahdizzle]

My bad. HP ZPs are the run flats.

But I still feel the primacy HP have stiffer sidewall than the ones I mentioned.

[kevman_101]

I did 1 autocross in June. I wanted to pump the tires a bit, but forgot with all the excitement. You can tell they rolled and was using a lot of the outside rubber. Only 2 ways to combat this. 1 is tire pressure to help the tire not roll as much(Super Easy and mostly free) and 2 is wheel camber (hard and costly). If you`re going to autocross just a few times, and you`re happy with the suspension as is, just pump the tires and go have fun.

[UREU]

Planning to try out autocross for my first time in about a week. I appreciate all this tips you guys have given. Its nice to have a general idea of what I should be doing going out there.

As mentioned I know I shouldn't be too worried about my tire pressure, but I would like to know what I should be paying attention to in terms of tire movement when I'm out on the track, and how to adjust the pressure accordingly.

If it helps I'm running Hankook RS-3's with 35psi all around. I figured this tire pressure would be a good starting point. Any help is really appreciated, thanks!

[chkltcow]

Originally Posted by UREU

As mentioned I know I shouldn't be too worried about my tire pressure, but I would like to know what I should be paying attention to in terms of tire movement when I'm out on the track, and how to adjust the pressure accordingly.

If it helps I'm running Hankook RS-3's with 35psi all around. I figured this tire pressure would be a good starting point. Any help is really appreciated, thanks!

I run 215/45/17 RS3s on the stock 7" wheels. I was getting some pretty serious shoulder roll at 35psi, so I kept going up. I found they're happy around 40psi and give a lot better grip there. Still running 34-35psi rear and just letting the tire squirm help me out back there. I'd go up on your front pressures to make sure you're not destroying your tires.

[UREU]

Ok great thanks for the advice I didn't know 35psi was a low tire pressure. I'm running slightly bigger tire's 225/45/17 on 8" wheels. Not sure if this makes a difference, but I'll try bumping the tire pressure up a bit.