[RideRed0331]

I will be hitting my first autocross this Sunday with a few of my friends from our FSAE club. I've never done this before, I've never even been to a car race other than a drag strip, but racing is second nature to me (13 years of motocross/kart racing) so I think I'll do decently well for a first timer.

My question is what should I do for a setup or preparation or anything even close. I'm changing my oil, filter, plugs, wires, cleaning my SRI filter, and finally installing my VF rear mount that has been laying around forever before the race and will also be running 93 octane (plus possibly an octance booster?? is it worth it, or will it actually hurt stuff) Any other tips?

Thanks guys, all your tips will help out tons!!

 

[Dcl2049]

I'd inflate your tires to around 40 psi hot and bleed pressure as necessary. You can put chalk on your sidewalls to see if it's rolling under, I deally you don't want it to wear past the tread. It's all about getting the most grip out of your tires while keeping them firm.

You can take out your spare tire and jack to save a little more weight. You might want to unload all the loose stuff in there (floormats etc.) at home so you don't have to do it at the track. Good luck.

 

[mlbbaseball]

if you want to get hard core into it, take out the seats, carpet, paneling, etc. every possible ounce you can, however, if you lose that weight in the rear, your car will become a little squimish around the turns and ur car may slide out from under pending on ur suspension setup.

 

[RideRed0331]

Damnnn Brad you're into this!! It's my DD so I'm not going crazy, I was planning on taking out the spare and jack in the hatch, floor mats, mayyybe the rear seat as it's only a few bolts, and just little things like that. I'm racing a first timer class...apparently against anything from Scion xB's to MR2's but all noobs to autocrossing as well. Tire pressure tips is what I was slooking for. I'm actually about 80% done with 10mm wheel spacers that I'll be running on the front wheels (tires are only 205/40/ZR17) so any bit of width I can get on my stance should help out.

 

[killer ZETEC]

ive run the sam size tire with no spacers...dont really have a issue with handling or grip. thats jsut a nother added thing to maybe cause a problem, (not saying it will) oh also dont be afraid to eat a cone or eff up and spin out. your there to learn car control. so if you go out and look like a wack job (i did my first day, and the first trun every event, i gotta get it out of my system lol) your actually gonne learn 2 things. i'll let you learn them,lol.

 

[Insane]

I would personaly run 34 front and 32 rear with that size tire.

 

[Dcl2049]

That seems way low... I would generally run my 215/40/17 Nittos at like 38f and 36r, otherwise I would be all up on the front sidewalls. Just start out high and bleed down until you figure out your optimal grip, all tires are different.

 

[RideRed0331]

I'll start at 40 up front and probably 37 or so in the back and go from there...also depends on the weather and temp but those will be my starting points

 

[MattZX3]

just remember that if you remove the back seats you will go up into another class

 

[RideRed0331]

They'll stay in there then, lol. That's even for a first timer class?

 

[MattZX3]

yes, doesnt matter

 

[MattZX3]

just make sure EVERYTHING that is loose is pulled out.

clean out the glove box, change from cupholders, ash tray, take your floor mats and carpet out of the rear

everythign that is not bolted to the car must come out

if you do it at the track, then you will have a piple of your things just laying on the ground.. so try to avoid that

take the spare tire out when you get there. Bring a standard floor jack, in case you are wanting to rotate tires quickly.. or just in case you need the jack the car up for anything

check your tire psi. i would say start out at 40psi hot, then work your way down from there

make sure all your fliuds are in check, make sure that everything is running normally, and you should be good

 

[mlbbaseball]

actually if you do ANYTHING to ur car, you are no longer in that class!! I already race in SM, so it doesn't matter to me!! but make sure ur completely stock! heck, i don't even know if you can take out the spare tire and jack lol!

 

[Insane]

That seems way low... I would generally run my 215/40/17 Nittos at like 38f and 36r, otherwise I would be all up on the front sidewalls. Just start out high and bleed down until you figure out your optimal grip, all tires are different.

I just find that with my setup if I go up more I get understeer.

If I go down the road rubs on the sidewall.

 

[RideRed0331]

I was under the impression that the first timer class is to get a feel for the race, rather than speed/time. I don't even think trophies are awarded, you get a one time race as a first timer and are then placed into a class from there???

 

[zantar]

If you are racing on street tires I would start tire pressure at 50 front and 44 rear and then adjust. This works wonders with my setup, a slight tendency to oversteer but nothing that stomping on the go peddle can't fix.

 

[killer ZETEC]

the tech guys (if they know their shit) will place you in the right class. if all youve done is wheels and tiress you will be in the more stock vehicle classes.
some cars though already come in bone stock at a higher class. (things like evo's and sti's) try to avoid getting into that class.

 

[RideRed0331]

I also have a Steeda SRI, and Steeda wires w/ new copper plugs for the performance part, but the STS and CFM rear engine mount will not be noticed nor affect my placement (I think?)...

I'm starting to see there's no cance for me to stay in that first timer class, huh?

 

[Dcl2049]

Intake and rims puts you in STS class, which isn't a bad one to be in IMO. Good competition even though Civics do have an edge on you; it's a challenge.

I'm not sure about the other mods, but unless your region is overtly technical (this isn't Nationals) then they should probably just put you in STS.

 

[wrc_fan]

Check out the autocross section, plenty of good tips there. In gereral, most people run higher tire pressures with the rear tires between 3-6 psi lower than the front.

If you can (room in the paddock to leave them), I take out the spare, the jack, the carpet cover for the spare, and the rear cover thingie out. I also fold my rear seats down (personal preference). Remove anything loose from the car as well. Things will fly around your car if you don't.

Bring masking tape to make numbers, most clubs don't allow shoe polish anymore. A check of the fluids is a good idea, I also run on an 1/8 tank of gas if possible. Bring your motorcycle helmet too, you don't want to wear a loaner if you don't have to.