Scca

[Blackcatn2o]

thats why. if you upgrade shocks/sturts you wont be bounceing around an bottoming out all the time.

[SMITHBOY76908]

Exactly my problem. If I hit a speed bump too fast, it rubs. I've got a 1.5" drop and my tire size is 225/45/17. I can't wait to get my damper kit.

[WD40]

I'd suggest selling the Eibach Sportlines and putting stock springs on the stock shocks.
For the price you could sell the Sportlines for, you could easily get brand new stock springs.
By swapping stock springs back in, you could also run in the GS (S=Stock) class.
Is there anything else that's modified on your car?

Unfortunately, the sportlines are not the best spring for AutoCrossing.
They're pretty soft, and are a progressive rate (very soft initially, then ramp up) which doesn't bode well for predictable handling.
The Eibach "Pro" springs would be a much better choice for AutoCrossing if you must go that route.
As mentioned by a couple others in this thread, you really do need the proper dampers (shocks/struts) to go along with the springs.

[illinipo]

I actually argue for the progressive rate in the rear since with more spring compression you get more passive steer. My wagon is VERY predictable with the progressive rate in the rear.

[WD40]

IIRC, the wagon carries a lot more weight on the rear springs though.

IMHO, what I don't like about progressive springs, is when they transition from soft to firm, it can upset the car.
Maybe the wagon's extra weight helps reduce that "hit".

But, beside spring types, and other technical discussions, I don't want to confuse bigfish3851, as he hasn't even hit the track yet.
Let's work on the driver first before exploring all the other avenues.

BTW, bigfish3851.
What wheels are those?
Along with the soft springs, I'm betting those wheels are the other 50% of the equation.
Stock SVT wheels have an offset of 49mm.
Those are most likely 42mm, which is pushing them closer to the fender lip.
^^^Meaning...more chance of rubbing.

[illinipo]

overall the wagon is only 100lbs heavier than the svt

most progressive springs have a linear transition. the sportlines are designed to have a more exponential transition, which will give you the seemingly instantaneous change in roll center youre talking about.

[bigfish3851]

so whats the best set up overall for running in autox? i know everyone drives differently but i need to have at least a good base to start from.

[WD40]

The best base to start from is a stock car.
I still stand behind my suggestion of using stock SVT springs and dampers.
A novice driver will not get 100% out of a stock SVT (handling wise) for quite some time.
IOW, again...work on the driver first.
As you get faster and more experienced, you'll learn what (if anything) the car needs to improve.

[wrc_fan]

Originally Posted by WD40

The best base to start from is a stock car.
I still stand behind my suggestion of using stock SVT springs and dampers.
A novice driver will not get 100% out of a stock SVT (handling wise) for quite some time.
IOW, again...work on the driver first.
As you get faster and more experienced, you'll learn what (if anything) the car needs to improve.

Absolutely, I think my past season until now is a good example. I starting running with the roush suspension kit, including a 22mm rear swaybar. It took me nearly 12 events to finally get to the point where I can look far enough ahead on the course, and have the best timing for my inputs to start to get the most out of my car.

This past weekend, I went through our novice school here in SCR, and was the third fastest novice overall (beaten only by a S2000 and a Miata with drivers with some experience). Had I done the school a year ago, I would have been at the bottom of the list for sure.

I also know there is still more to be had from the car. I can still be smoother and quicker with some inputs. I still break the inside wheel loose coming out of some turns. I can be closer to cones in slaloms and sharp turns. I am getting better at recognizing where I need to stay fully on the throttle while going through a given course element.

As far as improving the driver, IMO, learning to look ahead is the most important and hardest skill to improve upon.

[steve35svt]

A close second to looking far enough ahead is being smooth when going from breaking to turning to excelerating.