Autocross first timer

[rxryanm]

I went to a test n tune yesterday in my city and fellas, I’m in love. It was an absolute blast. I’m what I’d consider lightly modified - Steeda ultralite/Bilstein B6, steeda stop the hop and alignment kit, 305s all around. Realized two things very quickly - I need to put my 19x11 wheels with Eagle F1s on cuz the PS4Ss weren’t it. And I bought a Schroth QuickFit Pro that needs to go on as well cuz I can’t keep bracing myself against the door and the steering wheel.

I managed two runs back-to-back a cut a second off each one which was a great feeling. I’ve got a lot more practice to do and am looking forward to the season.


Overall would definitely recommend to everyone who likes to drive even remotely hard. Seems to be the safest (relatively) way to give your car the beans.

Here’s a pic of my gauges after the first set of runs. I think I managed higher numbers with my second set.

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[Ewheels]

Welcome to the addiction

 

[WItoTX]

Welcome! There is a lot to be learned in AutoX, and a lot to learn on track. I highly recommend them both!

 

[mavisky]

The two things that will make the most difference in autocross are experience and tires. The more events you do the faster you will get.

I actually just ran an event yesterday and reset my accelerometer. Sharinf here for comparison.

 

[tj@steeda]

We also helped take some of the guesswork out of your first event if anyone is on the fence!

 

[rxryanm]

Welcome to the addiction

Addiction's definitely the right word for it - itching for the next weekend to get here. I'm probably gonna have to travel a bit to the other regions to satisfy it lol

Welcome! There is a lot to be learned in AutoX, and a lot to learn on track. I highly recommend them both!

Will definitely hit the big track one of these days!

The two things that will make the most difference in autocross are experience and tires. The more events you do the faster you will get.

I actually just ran an event yesterday and reset my accelerometer. Sharinf here for comparison.

I've got a few runs left on the Eagles, then I think I may go with the Vitour P1s. Internet seems to be obsessed with em. And I think I may reset the accelerometer each time out. Just to see what's up.

 

[mavisky]

Yokohamas and Bridgestones are currently leading the pack. Vitours are fast, but only on cars that already seem to be fast. Haven't seen anyone claim to have run something different and jump ahead of the pack just due to the tires this year.

 

[kz]

I've got a few runs left on the Eagles, then I think I may go with the Vitour P1s. Internet seems to be obsessed with em. And I think I may reset the accelerometer each time out. Just to see what's up.

Michelins should be better than Goodyears btw.

Vitours are being heavily marketed so take that with a grain of salt - at this point it is certain they need heat to work - so may not be a best choice if you live in a place where isn't hot or you're starting to autocross - as you may not be able to get enough heat in them.

Also - completely ignore the accelerometer = it's a gimmick. What it shows has little to do with sustained cornering lateral acceleration and has very little to do with how you've driven (I was looking at it as well few first events).

 

[mavisky]

Also - completely ignore the accelerometer = it's a gimmick. What it shows has little to do with sustained cornering lateral acceleration and has very little to do with how you've driven (I was looking at it as well few first events).

Very true. While it's a neat data point, I wouldn't use it as an actual tuning tool. Especially in an event like autocross where the courses change every event and it's easy to just spike a high g-load on a bump mid-corner or similar.

 

[rxryanm]

Yokohamas and Bridgestones are currently leading the pack. Vitours are fast, but only on cars that already seem to be fast. Haven't seen anyone claim to have run something different and jump ahead of the pack just due to the tires this year.

A052 and RE71RS? I'll look into those then!

Michelins should be better than Goodyears btw.

Vitours are being heavily marketed so take that with a grain of salt - at this point it is certain they need heat to work - so may not be a best choice if you live in a place where isn't hot or you're starting to autocross - as you may not be able to get enough heat in them.

Also - completely ignore the accelerometer = it's a gimmick. What it shows has little to do with sustained cornering lateral acceleration and has very little to do with how you've driven (I was looking at it as well few first events).

The Grassroots Motorsports guys were actually kinda what made me think of going with the P1s. I'm going to subscribe for a month to read their comparison to the A052 & REs. I've read GRM is pretty unbiased in their recommendations.

Very true. While it's a neat data point, I wouldn't use it as an actual tuning tool. Especially in an event like autocross where the courses change every event and it's easy to just spike a high g-load on a bump mid-corner or similar.

As far as the accelerometer, definitely not using it for tuning (I do need to read a bit more to figure out what the ideal data accumulators are). It's like you said - just a neat thing to see.

 

[kz]

As far as the accelerometer, definitely not using it for tuning (I do need to read a bit more to figure out what the ideal data accumulators are). It's like you said - just a neat thing to see.

For reference, mine currently shows 1.50 in each of the three directions (which are max values).
It's meaningless unfortunately because this car most certainly cannot corner with sustained 1.5G, especially on 200TW tires.

 

[WItoTX]

For my money, and my 19" wheels, I am going to RE-71RS all day.

I ABUSED mine, multiple track days, autoX days, never once spraying them, letting them overheat on track, and they just kept gripping. And even when over-heated on track, when you cross that limit of grip, they are so controllable. They are fantastic tires.

 

[Decosse]

Back in 1990-91 I was seriously into autocrossing, and ran Bridgestone Potenza RE-71s. I was running a stock class in SCCA, so the tire/wheel size was limited. The Bridgestones out-gripped a lot of other tires even then. I remember having different tire pressure front and rear for balancing grip and over/understeer. Since higher profile tires were the norm then, keeping the front tires from rolling under was a thing- so chalk marking the shoulder of the tire would let you know where you were pressure-wise. Have fun, it's addicting!

 

[Dana Pants]

As far as seat belts go, I stack 3 of these in a row to keep my factory 3-point belt tight across my lap. I have a quick fit sitting on the floor and I haven't been motivated to install it because I don't feel the need.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/2731955292...6e08cd7450cbbdddc64c6cf2e8891f6d48747c6d56d2c

It also helps that smooth is fast. So as you get better, you will probably throw yourself around less.

There are many tools available to accelerate the learning curve: Instructors. Seat Time. Ride Alongs. Dual Driving. Beyond Seat Time. Random Autocross Podcasts.

And to pile on the tire discussion: Vitour drives well enough, but I have yet to see a local event where Vitour made the competition stronger.

 

[kz]

And to pile on the tire discussion: Vitour drives well enough, but I have yet to see a local event where Vitour made the competition stronger.

Vitour has worked out really well for everyone in StL Shootout this weekend. LOLOL. Even those with co-drivers and blankets weren't very happy.

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