Power Levels - How high to go for daily driver/ autox?

[TrueBlue02]

I was looking into autocross. I have decided to not boost my SVT so I can save money, or at least put it into other mods. I think I would have more fun with my car if I focused going around corners.

I plan on getting the Race Suspension and Torsen LSD from Hilbish (along with better brake pads).

I am not sure what class I would be in, but I am going with the following on my 02 SVT:

XCal and Toms Tune
K&N Filter (stock box)
Borla 2.5 inch exhaust (already installed)
Wrapped Cat and Header (stock SVT)

Stock interior and body panels, nothing stripped or Carbon Fiber.

This should make plenty of power for autocross and be fun for the street. Nothing crazy but fun.

Any thoughts or suggestions?

[wrc_fan]

You didn't say what wheel and tire size you were running...

But based on the above, you could run ST w/o the LSD, plus the LSD STX

[jayel579]

Don't put anything on your car. Run it stock until you learn wo to drive. It is already faster then you are from the factory.

[TrueBlue02]

Originally Posted by jayel579

Don't put anything on your car. Run it stock until you learn wo to drive. It is already faster then you are from the factory.

I just want it to run its best (filter, tune up, suspension is overdue at 57K mi.)

[steve35svt]

Mine has 59k on it, I run in stock and do basic maintenance to it. Once you get some experience, you'll find its a fun car to compete in.

[thehubster]

what would be some of the first mods to make to a stock car after you have been driving it for a while? what would be a good upgrade that would help you to become a better driver?

[wrc_fan]

Originally Posted by thehubster

what would be some of the first mods to make to a stock car after you have been driving it for a while? what would be a good upgrade that would help you to become a better driver?

Everyone that I've talked to that's been to an Evolution School, has come back completely satisfied, and faster!

I'm still saving up to go to one, I had to scrap my plans to go to the one in Detroit next month.

After going to school, you can look into data aquisition, some people have had success with it, others not so much. Its a good way to review your consistancy through a course. I think another useful bit is it can tell you your throttle and brake inputs. You can swear up and down you were full on the throttle through a section, but the data system will tell you for sure.

Also, how about a tire pyrometer, use this to dial in your tire pressures, find out if your overdriving the car, or not driving hard enough.

[jayel579]

Originally Posted by wrc_fan

Everyone that I've talked to that's been to an Evolution School, has come back completely satisfied, and faster!

+1, www.evoschool.com

Best thing I ever did. I took Phase 1 and I am looking to take Phase 2 this season. It won't improve your driving skills but it will make you look at the course different ultimately making you a faster driver. It is almost best to take the course with almost zero autocross experience. I took it after 1 season and had some habits to break so it was a little more challenging for me, autocrossing is always a work in progress.

[xcrzx3]

how much is the evoschool tho? more than performance parts? ><

[Dudes ZX3]

I think they average $250-500, I've been hoping to attend one for the past few years but just can't produce the funds.

If that sounds out of the budget, check with your local auto-x organization, many will offer a similar type of school. It won't be as intense, but the price tag is typically much lower while the advice is just as informative.

Also, performance parts only fit one car. A driving school spans across all vehicles!