Point me in the right direction?

[jvincent]

Originally Posted by babylobster

Where would I go to look for autocross events? You actually can drive in an autocross event? I thought you're just a bystander.

The local car clubs or tracks should have schedules for autox or track days.

Most clubs have specific sessions for beginners, which usually means that you will have an instructor ride along with you.

Those are the best ones to sign up for since you will learn a LOT faster with an instructor in the car than by yourself.

[Shark_Bait88]

I'd also suggest reading automotive blogs, like Jalopnik. They post tons of content every day, and will often break things down in laymen's terms.

There's a sub-blog of Jalopnik called Oppositelock (oppositelock.jalopnik.com) that has a fantastic community of enthusiasts. The nice thing about Oppositelock is that most everyone on there is very understanding as well. If you posed this question, or any other, on there you'd receive tons of positive feedback. A lot of the folks on Oppo write very detailed, yet easy to understand, articles about technical automotive/racing topics on a fairly regular basis.

What's funny is that the community is surprisingly close knit, considering that most of us haven't met each other in person. I know there are quite a few "Oppos/Opponauts," two terms we often refer to ourselves as, in New York as well, so I'm sure you could connect with some local people on there. I've made one pretty good real-life friend from Oppositelock, who actually happened to know a couple of other people I know here too. He's an engineer for Roush and has a tendency to write some pretty detailed breakdowns of how different components work, such as turbochargers; which will give you an idea of some of the articles you can expect on there. There's also a lot of silly fun stuff that gets posted too.

If you do join Oppositelock, post something similar to your post here introducing yourself and I'm sure I'll see it. I spend a lot of time on there. My username there is Chris_K_F.

[Shark_Bait88]

Originally Posted by babylobster

I don't know if they WILL belittle me but I feel like some people would if I said something so I didn't bother trying, if that makes any sense. Especially if you're in an area where EVERYONE is a total stranger and doesn't come up to you to introduce themselves when you're standing there by yourself and they just stick to their clique (they're NOT obligated to at all but it would definitely be nice if someone were to randomly come up to the one person standing there looking awkward just to say hi. I'd feel much more comfortable striking up a conversation!). And not to talk badly of all the men on this forum, but it's MUCH easier for men to be willing to teach you things when you're a single female and I'm not currently. When I was single and I went to car events, I'd have to say it was easier making friends and hanging out with people. Now I don't get invited to anything and it's kind of sad but whatever. That's life, right?

Where would I go to look for autocross events? You actually can drive in an autocross event? I thought you're just a bystander.

Ah yes, I can definitely see the dilemma of having some guys only be interested in teaching you if you were single. Admittedly, I'd be a lot more willing to walk up an introduce myself to a girl standing there by herself than a girl standing there with a boyfriend. Sometimes the best way to meet the people is to start talking online, that way they will get to know you before making quick judgments in person.

Here's the NY region's SCCA (Sports Car Club of America) webpage: http://www.nyr-scca.org/

You can go to any of their autocross events and participate. You will get to drive your car and will work the track as well, that's part of the deal. It's pretty cheap to get started in because you can use a stock car and still learn plenty. You will run in your class with people have been doing it a lot longer, but most of them will be very willing to offer their advice if you ask. An instructor will probably ride along with you for your first run or two, or until you feel comfortable enough to drive without them. The organizers will be very open and inviting of newcomers asking for help.

[White64Goat]

Start with owners manual in book for the car itself, which will take a day or two to read because it's something like 400+ pages..........a lot of those pages are warnings.


Forums good for all other info, pics, meets, track days etc.

[babylobster]

Originally Posted by Shark_Bait88

Ah yes, I can definitely see the dilemma of having some guys only be interested in teaching you if you were single. Admittedly, I'd be a lot more willing to walk up an introduce myself to a girl standing there by herself than a girl standing there with a boyfriend. Sometimes the best way to meet the people is to start talking online, that way they will get to know you before making quick judgments in person.

Originally Posted by Shark_Bait88

Here's the NY region's SCCA (Sports Car Club of America) webpage: http://www.nyr-scca.org/

You can go to any of their autocross events and participate. You will get to drive your car and will work the track as well, that's part of the deal. It's pretty cheap to get started in because you can use a stock car and still learn plenty. You will run in your class with people have been doing it a lot longer, but most of them will be very willing to offer their advice if you ask. An instructor will probably ride along with you for your first run or two, or until you feel comfortable enough to drive without them. The organizers will be very open and inviting of newcomers asking for help.

True, good point!

I'll have to load that website when I get home. It's blocked at work

Out of curiousity, what's "pretty cheap"? So they basically teach you how to drive on a track?

[FlamingRectumSyndrome]

Originally Posted by babylobster

Right now, I would say I'm more interested in the wheels aspect of the car. There's so many styles out there and I'd love to get a set but it seems SUPER confusing with the measurements.

There are two basic schools of thought on wheels: what looks pretty, and what works well. Sometimes there's some overlap between the two, but more often than not, there isn't.

A lot of people buy wheels because they like the looks. Then they find out the car doesn't accelerate or stop as well, and the ride quality is harsh. That's because they've bought wheels that are substantially heavier than the stock wheels. The stock wheels are 17" in diameter, and 7" wide. Many people put larger (18") and wider (8" or wider) wheels on their car because the like the look, but larger and wider wheels almost always weigh more. The extra weight causes the problems described above.

Some people will go with wider wheels so they can mount wider tires, which gives the car a more aggressive look ("It must make about 500 horsepower, look at those wide tires!"). The problem with wider rubber is that it creates more rolling resistance, which slows acceleration and decreases gas mileage. The stock size wheels and tires actually work REALLY well for this car; unless you're doing track days, you won't be getting any useful gains by changing them out for something else.

There are a few wheels that are lighter than the stock wheels, and these will give you better acceleration and braking and suspension compliance. Wheels like Enkei RPF-1s. They weigh about 15 pounds in the stock size (the stock wheels weigh about 21 pounds). They also cost around $200 apiece.

I was also looking to lower the car a little but the problem with that right now is it won't be able to go up the driveway! Air bag suspension should be good for that? Is that what it's called? But then I hear it's really pricey. And then there's the aspect of where you go to get these parts, where can you get the best deals, etc. etc. etc. *brain explodes*

Again, show vs go. Toyota has an army of highly trained, experienced engineers who put in an awful lot of work designing suspension that works well with the car, delivering excellent road feel and handling, while still having a reasonably comfortable ride quality. Balancing these things is not an easy task. Lowering the car will give it a distinctive look, and to some degree will improve cornering ability (the car already has the lowest center of gravity in its class). But there is always a trade-off. If you simply lower the car, the suspension will bottom out more easily. You can install stiffer springs to resist bottoming, but now the ride quality can get pretty stiff (unless you're prepared to spend some pretty considerable cash on first-rate suspension components). Have you ever seen the typical ricer car going boing-boing-boing down the road? Stiff springs and crappy shocks. Air bag suspension is great if you've got a '70s vintage Cadillac or a big ol' pickup truck that you use to haul heavy stuff with, but its not what you want with a car that handles well. If your idea is to park your car with the rocker panels a half inch off the ground, then great. But again, not the best idea if you actually intend to drive the car the way it was designed to be driven.

Not trying to rain on your parade. But a lot of people get enthusiastic about modifying their cars without understanding the implications and consequences of their choices. Glad you're here to learn!

[Shark_Bait88]

Originally Posted by babylobster

True, good point!

I'll have to load that website when I get home. It's blocked at work

Out of curiousity, what's "pretty cheap"? So they basically teach you how to drive on a track?

Registration for each event will probably run you between $30-50, depending on what the pricing is like in your region and which club or organization your run with. Example: This past season I paid like $32 to go autocross with a local Miata club, and then $38 + a $15 weekend membership to autocross with my local SCCA chapter. You will also need your own helmet. Most events have loaners you can borrow, but you may have to share them with other people. I'd definitely recommend going to a local shop to try some helmets on, figure out what size/manufacturer fits you best, and buy your own helmet. My HJC AR-10 II cost me around $280 at a local shop, which is pretty much the same pricing as Amazon. It's a great full face starter helmet, but you can certainly go cheaper and much much more expensive. lol

It's not actually driving on a track, but rather a cone course set up in a parking lot or on the skid pad of a race track. The best place to start is the webpage for the SCCA's Solo (that's what they refer to their autocross series as): http://www.scca.com/solo/content.cfm?cid=44509

I did three events this past season to get acquainted with it, and am now planning on attempting to run more competitively within my class for a full season next year. I learned a lot in just three events, but I have a ton more to go. It may seem like an overwhelming amount of information at first, but just take it slow and go out to have fun your first few times.

[babylobster]

Originally Posted by FlamingRectumSyndrome

There are two basic schools of thought on wheels: what looks pretty, and what works well. Sometimes there's some overlap between the two, but more often than not, there isn't.

Originally Posted by FlamingRectumSyndrome

A lot of people buy wheels because they like the looks. Then they find out the car doesn't accelerate or stop as well, and the ride quality is harsh. That's because they've bought wheels that are substantially heavier than the stock wheels. The stock wheels are 17" in diameter, and 7" wide. Many people put larger (18") and wider (8" or wider) wheels on their car because the like the look, but larger and wider wheels almost always weigh more. The extra weight causes the problems described above.

Some people will go with wider wheels so they can mount wider tires, which gives the car a more aggressive look ("It must make about 500 horsepower, look at those wide tires!"). The problem with wider rubber is that it creates more rolling resistance, which slows acceleration and decreases gas mileage. The stock size wheels and tires actually work REALLY well for this car; unless you're doing track days, you won't be getting any useful gains by changing them out for something else.

There are a few wheels that are lighter than the stock wheels, and these will give you better acceleration and braking and suspension compliance. Wheels like Enkei RPF-1s. They weigh about 15 pounds in the stock size (the stock wheels weigh about 21 pounds). They also cost around $200 apiece.

Again, show vs go. Toyota has an army of highly trained, experienced engineers who put in an awful lot of work designing suspension that works well with the car, delivering excellent road feel and handling, while still having a reasonably comfortable ride quality. Balancing these things is not an easy task. Lowering the car will give it a distinctive look, and to some degree will improve cornering ability (the car already has the lowest center of gravity in its class). But there is always a trade-off. If you simply lower the car, the suspension will bottom out more easily. You can install stiffer springs to resist bottoming, but now the ride quality can get pretty stiff (unless you're prepared to spend some pretty considerable cash on first-rate suspension components). Have you ever seen the typical ricer car going boing-boing-boing down the road? Stiff springs and crappy shocks. Air bag suspension is great if you've got a '70s vintage Cadillac or a big ol' pickup truck that you use to haul heavy stuff with, but its not what you want with a car that handles well. If your idea is to park your car with the rocker panels a half inch off the ground, then great. But again, not the best idea if you actually intend to drive the car the way it was designed to be driven.

Not trying to rain on your parade. But a lot of people get enthusiastic about modifying their cars without understanding the implications and consequences of their choices. Glad you're here to learn!

Since I am pretty clueless with cars, I would say I am going more for the "looks" when it comes to the wheels and lowering the car. You weren't "raining on my parade". I thought what you said was very informational and that's what I wanted. I really appreciate your post. I don't just want to do random things to the car only to have messed it up ESPECIALLY being that I am new to this. I'm very cautious with new things and even more so with my car because it's not exactly cheap. Thank you for explaining everything in layman's terms!

[Shark_Bait88]

Originally Posted by FlamingRectumSyndrome

There are two basic schools of thought on wheels: what looks pretty, and what works well. Sometimes there's some overlap between the two, but more often than not, there isn't.


Again, show vs go.

These are excellent points.

Deciding what you want out of your car is the first step, however often the most difficult. Especially if you haven't experienced some of the options, like autocross.

I've always been a function over form (go over show) person, but even within that there can be conflicts. When I got my car I was excited to go mod it quite a bit, with new coilovers and wider wheels. Then I took it autocrossing and learned that I have a lot to learn about how it drives before I need mods like that. I decided to stick in the starting class, which allows fairly minimal mods and keeps the car relatively stock, just so I could learn more and improve on my driving skills. Experiencing something new changed my plans for the car. I'd say to educate yourself and try to experience different things to determine what sort of activities, different automotive "scenes," or types of racing you want to do.

[Black Tire]

Originally Posted by babylobster

Out of curiousity, what's "pretty cheap"? So they basically teach you how to drive on a track?

So cheap that I do not even consider an autocross event fee to be a significant cost, and I am on a very tight budget; generally the cost is under $100 per event. The instructors will teach you a little about driving the autocross course. An autocross course is not really like an open track, but perhaps it could be described as a really short track with LOTS of turns. It is a good place to start because it takes place at low speeds and if you make a mistake you usually just knock over some cones. It takes time and practice to really become good at it.

Another avenue to look at is a novice event on a short track. I wish you were in Minnesota, as I would invite you to one of our events at a short local track. I have been instructing novices for years and a track event like our "Car Control Clinics" would give you more seat time than any autocross event, with an instructor in the car the whole time. Our events also have classroom sessions in between the track sessions where we go over the basics and have time to answer questions.

Also, look to see if there are people online in your region willing to meet up with you. Here is the link to the regional forum for your area:

http://www.ft86club.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=11

Here is just one recent post I found with a quick look that could help you develop some local contacts:

http://www.ft86club.com/forums/showthread.php?t=77810

[Turbo95eg6]

Originally Posted by babylobster

but it's MUCH easier for men to be willing to teach you things when you're a single female and I'm not currently.

Your current boyfriend sounds like a big fucking loser, he probably drives a prius. Just pathetic... Dump him for someone who knows a thing or two about cars, so you guys actually have something in common that you're interested in.

[Sarlacc]

Some people have done some pretty stupid/lame/odd things to their cars, and like talking others in to doing the same things. Beware of those people, they can be pretty persuasive.

You do not need to change ONE THING about your car, it was a great car right off the assembly line. If you discover that you WANT to do something to it, research it thoroughly and look for the downsides. There always are some.

And keep in mind that Toyota and Subaru did try their very best to make this a good car. Throwing a bunch of aftermarket parts at it won't necessarily make it better.

Enjoy you car :-)

[Shark_Bait88]

Originally Posted by Sarlacc

Some people have done some pretty stupid/lame/odd things to their cars, and like talking others in to doing the same things. Beware of those people, they can be pretty persuasive.

You do not need to change ONE THING about your car, it was a great car right off the assembly line. If you discover that you WANT to do something to it, research it thoroughly and look for the downsides. There always are some.

And keep in mind that Toyota and Subaru did try their very best to make this a good car. Throwing a bunch of aftermarket parts at it won't necessarily make it better.

Enjoy you car :-)

This is another thing that lead me to the decision not to modify my car a ton. You can get a pretty good sense of how well designed the car is on the road, but until you go drive it on some sort of track (autocross or an actual open road course) you won't quite understand what an impressive machine it is in stock form.

[babylobster]

Originally Posted by Turbo95eg6

Your current boyfriend sounds like a big fucking loser, he probably drives a prius. Just pathetic... Dump him for someone who knows a thing or two about cars, so you guys actually have something in common that you're interested in.

He's not actually and does not drive a prius. He does know a thing or two about cars and has taught me a few things but I wanted to learn on my own as well. Not really sure why he got called a "big fucking loser" when I just wanted some information regarding learning about cars.