SCCA Solo C Street Discussion

[Wepeel]

Hmmm... just saw a stranoparts post saying that full front koni struts (not inserts, full replacements) will be available 7/16. Good news! Looks like inserts are still available too.

[Jawnathin]

Originally Posted by Wepeel

Hmmm... just saw a stranoparts post saying that full front koni struts (not inserts, full replacements) will be available 7/16. Good news! Looks like inserts are still available too.

Wow. I literally just ordered the inserts last week because no one knew when the full struts would be available. This is on top of a bunch tools to cut the old shocks open. They haven't even been delivered yet

Ugh, wonder if I should just order a pair of the new fronts instead?

[vroom4]

A bunch of tools? All it takes is a sawzall or a hacksaw....

[Jawnathin]

Originally Posted by vroom4

A bunch of tools? All it takes is a sawzall or a hacksaw....

Needed the larger sized drill bits, a clamp, pipe cutter and a few other misc stuff. So maybe not a bunch, but stuff I didn't have to buy/own before.

Anyway, what is everyone doing for launches? I'm on stock tires and just dump the clutch. Tires break loose and the car goes. Seems to work OK so far, but will be moving to better tires soon.

Any one have a problem breaking axles or the diff when running stickier tires?

[qoncept]

I rev to about 4-5k and slip the clutch a bit. Usually get more tire spin than I'd like but I don't really put much in to improving my launch. As long as you aren't rolling at 2k I don't think your actual speed is much different by the time you get to the start lights.

From what I've seen the only broken axles have been on STX cars, and it seems to be as much from lowering as additional power. Is that still accurate?

[vroom4]

Mine is making the funny noise now after 300 runs this season, including 20 or so prosolo launches. C street prepped.

[markw]

I launch by ear. Slight chirp of tires. Done. If I have to look at the tac I'd guess I'm around 3 grand. Years of pulling 1.9 60 foot times in my Mustang all day on street tires. A good launch with a stick takes practice. If you get more than a chirp out of the tires you went too hard.

[bimmer635csi]

Originally Posted by Arigh

On stock tires, a friend of mine was launching around 3000-3500.

You all must have a phenomenal surface. If I launch more than 2000 on stock tires, they wail like a screaming child.

[7thgear]

I launch based on perceived g-load (which I should verify through my datalogger)


and what feels like my most successful launches happen when I revup and gently release the clutch once the needle passes 4000


meaning I don't hold and dump


nor do I accelerate from a low rpm


I try to sorta find a middle ground between the two in one swift motion.


i'll try to post Aim Solo data later tonight.

[SeanRTR]

Originally Posted by markw

If you get more than a chirp out of the tires you went too hard.

For this car, I'd have to disagree with that statement for sure.

If you simply chirp the tires from the launch on this car...you're going to bog....badly.

The only way to get acceptable acceleration out of this car is spin nearly all the way through first gear. Spinning the tires until they catch AFTER the torque dip (4500ish?) is absolutely necessary.

If the course starts with a tight turn before you shift to second gear...it really doesn't matter as much, but if you get a long WOT style start to the first 35-40+ MPH, you need to light up the tires in first to get the most ouf the car. I launch around 4500, roll into the gass, while slipping off the clutch and releasing. The tires should hook up completely around 5,000 - 6,000 RPM going WOT. If you Spin to rev limiter, you over did it. If you hook up before 4,000-4,500 you're bogging and losing time.

One of the reasons I don't like the Pro format in this car, is you have to wind it up so high and drop it to get it to actually move....can't be good on the car doing this 12 times per weekend. I know someone on here already blew up a stock clutch at a ProSolo, and the dealer told them to eat a **** when they tried to get it replaced.

[Kido1986]

Depending on surface and temperature, I launch from 4000 (low grip) to 5500 (ideal tire temps on a warmish but not hot day on good concrete).

I don't sidestep the clutch but I get off of it fairly quickly. Goal is to catch traction around 4000, just as the dip turns upward.

Remember to let the slack out of the clutch pedal first. The first 50% movement from the firewall is dead for me.

[7thgear]

yeah, catching it below 4000 feels like you're running on 1 cylinder


makes me want to rage-quit my whole run.

[Kido1986]

Our local course designers try their best to prevent us from launching cars. They often have 90 degree turns about 30 ft or sooner after launch :/

[vroom4]

Originally Posted by Kido1986

Our local course designers try their best to prevent us from launching cars. They often have 90 degree turns about 30 ft or sooner after launch :/

Um, welcome to solo? That is how autocross is SUPPOSED to be designed.

Do prosolos if you want a drag style launch.