2012 stf

[svtmom]

Wish we had talked to you. Rex was stuck at home, and the kid and I are more on the introverted side.

I'm glad you're thinking of jumping in to STF - it will be fun to see what the car can do in good hands!

Since we've never done any mods even within H-Stock allowances, I'd like to start there and see how it goes. I've already started the season in stock street tire and have a good rivalry with a DS Cooper S in our local club. Hopefully, we can take a few steps that will be legal in HS and compatible with a future ST upgrade.

All input seems to indicate shocks and a rear sway are the top priority. [I don't think my '02 has a winter package to disable.]

What all have you done to yours within HS?

[Zewerr]

All I have done, is GAZ shocks/struts. I threw in an H&R front sway when that's all you could do. I have a rear sway waiting to throw in, but I have to put the stock front one back in in order to do so as I'm still in HS for the remainder of the season. But I have been kinda putting that off. After the results of the last two weeks, I might be more motivated to do so. I'm running OZ Ultraleggera wheels (about 15.5 lbs each), which require machining 1 mm off the hub face to be HS legal. 225/40 Hoosier A6's mounted on them. And I just threw in an all aluminum Top Speed cat back exhaust to between the NT and Pro, mainly to shed weight. A K&N drop in filter, and that's pretty much it.

[thenorm]

Originally Posted by svtmom

All input seems to indicate shocks and a rear sway are the top priority. [I don't think my '02 has a winter package to disable.]

That's a solid start.

Bills h stock setup is very good. And worth emulating.

[tukaniSVT]

Yeah and get some nice sticky tires on the ride and you will be golden in H-Stock.

All that would be left to do after the shocks, rear sway and tires is practice, practice, practice.

-Ray-

[Zewerr]

tukaniSVT, You run 225/50R16 RS3's currently in STF, correct? I see that Toyo's just came out with a 225/45R16 R1R. Any thoughts about running these to improve the SVT's gearing? I'm thinking that this is probably the way to go.

[ecugrad]

Originally Posted by Zewerr

tukaniSVT, You run 225/50R16 RS3's currently in STF, correct? I see that Toyo's just came out with a 225/45R16 R1R. Any thoughts about running these to improve the SVT's gearing? I'm thinking that this is probably the way to go.

I'd advise against any other R1R except for the 195/50/15. Supposedly the other sizes suck once the tire gets close to half depth or so, compound gets harder.

[GodLovesUgly]

I run the R1R 195/50/15 on my Miata, and it is an outstanding tire, and stays that way until they cord. You're right about the compound changing on the bigger tires, but they absolutely do not suck... they are still very nice tires, just not as nice as the "secret" compound. Personally i think the tire will be a perfect fit for the SVT (225/45/16 r1r) i can't wait until someone tries it out.

[fighing2succeed]

Copied from our local autox forum. Discuss. I for one think the pax should be atleast .800

From the desk of Mr. PAX, Rick Ruth:
My calculator and I have been following Andy Hollis (the other alien, Brian) around the country in STF. I've been paying attention to not only the competition he has (or does not have) in STF, but also the relevant competition in the related H Stock Open classes. Weight was given to any Minidrivers who were still or did previously run (and especially trophy) in the last SCCA Nationals in H Stock in these comparisons.From my desk, what I think I'm seeing, is that Andy's Mazda2 is NOT covering the "spread" of the .794 STF Pax Factor. In other words, it appears to me that it may indeed be too stiff, and may need to be lowered (like .788) next year to be statistically relevant.

[GodLovesUgly]

hmmm.. May need to pick up another SVT or better yet.. a 2.3 durahatch.
that would be super soft..

[Zewerr]

I see changing my car from H-stock to STF will only make my car faster. But if they do decide to lower it, fine by me. I'll just dominate all my PAX classes next year.