GLU goes to autocross!

[GodLovesUgly]

Hey guys, i just wanted to start a thread for myself so i can ask questions and get feedback on what i'm doing.

first off, this will be my first season trying autocross needless to say i'm pretty nervous. i do think i have a pretty good starting platform though.
my zx3 has been dropped with the dynamic suspension, i've got an exhaust and intake and i'm adding a 24mm adjustable RSB and an SVT FSB. oh also my tires aren't the best but i'm running a 215/45/17. something i don't have is SEAT TIME! that will change this year. i'm planning on going to at least 65% of the races this year.

i just have a couple questions and i'm sure more will come up as the first race gets closer and even after that.
launch? zenranger told me 3k is pretty good to to launch at, any other suggestions or tips?
also what are some tips on memorizing the course? like when you're walking it, do you guys take a notebook to sketch it out? i think this would help me remember some of it.

thanks in advance, more questions and discussion to follow!

[Sponsor]

[norcalfocus01]

Dont waste your money on the SVT front sway bar, its the same size you have already. The only models that came with a smaller front sway bar is the SPI LX sedan, and the 05 S sedans. Never did the ZX3 come with a smaller front sway.

What I would invest in is some new endlinks for the sway bars. Pick up some MOOG OEM replacements for the front sway bar, and some poly bushings for the rear. The MOOG will look stock but are beffier and have zerks on them.

[GodLovesUgly]

Originally Posted by norcalfocus01

Dont waste your money on the SVT front sway bar, its the same size you have already. The only models that came with a smaller front sway bar is the SPI LX sedan, and the 05 S sedans. Never did the ZX3 come with a smaller front sway.

What I would invest in is some new endlinks for the sway bars. Pick up some MOOG OEM replacements for the front sway bar, and some poly bushings for the rear. The MOOG will look stock but are beffier and have zerks on them.

i'm definitely getting the Moogs at the time of front sway install.
on the fsb, i thought that all 05 s had the smaller one? mine looks SMALL.. i wanna measure it now.. i already ordered the svt one.. used 90 bucks so not bad if it's the same size. Maybe Mike will buy it lol.

[SpeedOften]

Originally Posted by norcalfocus01

Dont waste your money on the SVT front sway bar, its the same size you have already. The only models that came with a smaller front sway bar is the SPI LX sedan, and the 05 S sedans. Never did the ZX3 come with a smaller front sway.

What I would invest in is some new endlinks for the sway bars. Pick up some MOOG OEM replacements for the front sway bar, and some poly bushings for the rear. The MOOG will look stock but are beffier and have zerks on them.

incorrect.. all 00-04 non SVT models had a 20mm front sway with exception to the models you posted where as the SVT has a 21mm stock - not a huge difference but some people can feel the difference. I did added a piece together SVT suspension onto my 2000 ZX3 and I noticed a difference with the SVT front sway.

[wrc_fan]

Your launch isn't very critical, just get to where you get a little bit of chirp or spin off the line. Work on being smooth on the launch so you can be to WOT as soon as you can without wheelspin. Note this will vary with course design. More critical than launch is how you line up at the start. Position the car for the best line at the first turn you have to make.

Walking the course is very important, people sketch the course, some don't. Personally I don't sketch it, but I have some friends that do. I just try to walk as many times as I can, when I walk, I walk a line where my car is going to be, not just blindly following the course.

On key thing that helps me with looking ahead, is asking myself where I need to be looking ahead to at each element, while I walk the course. I used to find myself focused on a turn while I was walking to it. Now I focus on the turn that is one or two or more from where I am walking at.

While I'm waiting for my first run in grid, I'll sit in the car with my eyes closed and visuallize myself running the course. Hands on the wheel and visuallize where I'll brake, turn, and so on. I get weird looks from people, until I beat them:D

Also, take advatage of instructors, and ride along with other fast drivers. Don't be afraid to let others drive your car during fun runs, if your club does them. This is probably on of the quickest ways to learn to be faster when you're a beginer.

Also, don't forget to talk to people, BS about stuff, ask questions, look at other cool cars, and have a good time!

[GodLovesUgly]

wrc, that was some awesome info!! thanks

[steve35svt]

Take a couple walks with some expeienced drivers to show ypou the course. Then walk it many times after, a few times alone to concentrate on where you have to go. Learn how not to get lost then work on proper lines.

[norcalfocus01]

GLU check this thread out for swaybar info http://www.focusfanatics.com/forum/showthread.php?t=151534

[GodLovesUgly]

yeah, i checked that out for sure.
it says this, "there is also the 18mm sway bar that is on the SPI as well as the 05+ S and SE Models." so that right there means all 05+S&SE models right? zx3,zx5, sedan..
it really looks tiny man, like it could be 18mm. i'll measure it this weekend.

[sldghmr]

Walking the course is invaluable. One thing that helped me tons, was working the first session and driving the second. I got to watch where others were making mistakes and focused on those spots. I've only been 2 or 3 times and they've been a blast (especially the rain one!!). I've given up trying to do a smoking fast 1st lap and let that be my 'track learning' lap. I do it like I was driving Ms. Daisy....then I keep stepping up my pace lap after lap till the last lap when I'm hoping someone will come up to me and say "if that wasn't your last lap of the day, we'd throw you out of here!"