Autocross Thoughts

[motoroid65]

Auto-x sitting as a passenger on a course where they never went over 100kph is not exactly what I would call a review so I'll reserve judgment until the first DRIVES are out. There are some promising comments in them (weight distribution etc); enough to keep me looking forward to a full on review.

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[Chris]

Continuing on the Auto-x front:

IMHO, the thought of that nice, fat torque curve with the better brakes, more directly connected suspension pieces, and a square tire setup make the EB4 with PP seems like a good, basic setup for killing some cones.

But, I have never auto-xed 1) a mustang or 2) a V-8.

 

[Norm Peterson]

That fat torque curve is fat at full boost. Not so fat if the course puts you at revs that are too low, so you have to (accurately) anticipate the boost coming in.


Norm

 

[Areddi]

So you gotta figure you're going to pick up a set of square 17 inch fat wheels to mount your race tires on from a cost perspective (assuming 17's they clear the brakes) and assuming you're not sunning in a stock class, though I believe that allows for radius downsizing next year just not widening?

I am still liking the GT, regardless of the power numbers it ends up with, it will be plenty. I have seen the alleged dealer guide with the weights, and it is a bit concerning. We'll have to see once the final weight is unveiled.

The EB4 will be a solid player, but unless I go V8 I'd assume stick with my FR-S from a having fun perspective. Thoughts?

 

[Chris]

Revs to low doesn't seem like it would be a big problem. Since most of the torque is available at 2000rpm, there wouldn't (IMO) be many corners that would be an issue.

But, that's half the reason why I love autocross - it's not about 1 thing, its about the entire package!

 

[Chris]

The EB4 will be a solid player, but unless I go V8 I'd assume stick with my FR-S from a having fun perspective. Thoughts?

The FR-S is fun in the same way my old Mk3 MR2 Spyder was fun - there's a lot of communication going on in a (relatively) light weight package.

But, if the S550's have a suspension setup like most european cars, then I would imagine that they will be a lot of fun. Especially if the new rules do allow downsizing.

In my current MR2, it feels a lot more fun with the stock 55 series all seasons compared to the 40 series Proxes R1-R's I have on now. A lot more chassis roll going on, making everything communicate so much louder.

 

[lostwon]

John and Jane "Average"??

I can't remember how many times I've posted that a well-done stick axle beats an indifferently done IRS, or words to that effect. With IRS there are more variables that you can play with to achieve your goals, which can be a two-edged sword.

Probably. But for the true "average" driver (as opposed to the average performance driver) most of the benefit is going to be on the ride quality side. John and Jane Average don't drive hard enough for handling balance short of truly evil to have any meaning, and good handling to them means it doesn't feel like it takes half an acre to make a parking lot U-turn in.
Norm

Sorry, Norm; while we usually agree with your wise and thoughtful posts, Jane and I must take exception here. I don't know about this "Joe" guy, but Jane and I, while maybe average, do own a closet full of auto-x jackets, and do usually drive hard enough to notice things like handling balance. Jane especially likes IRS in her Corvette, and I am saddled with the stick axle Mustang lately; but less than 9/10ths is not in either of our normal modes. So please continue to abuse Joe, if you must; but leave us out of that "don't drive hard enough" genre, okay?
http://www.sdr-scca.com/solo2/docs/2014_Supp_Reg-2014-01.pdf See page 25.
Thanks and Best Regards,
John and Jane

 

[Norm Peterson]

Sorry, Norm; while we usually agree with your wise and thoughtful posts, Jane and I must take exception here. I don't know about this "Joe" guy, but Jane and I, while maybe average, do own a closet full of auto-x jackets, and do usually drive hard enough to notice things like handling balance. Jane especially likes IRS in her Corvette, and I am saddled with the stick axle Mustang lately; but less than 9/10ths is not in either of our normal modes. So please continue to abuse Joe, if you must; but leave us out of that "don't drive hard enough" genre, okay?
http://www.sdr-scca.com/solo2/docs/2014_Supp_Reg-2014-01.pdf See page 25.
Thanks and Best Regards,
John and Jane

Geez, I thought I left enough room there to drive an Abrams tank through . . . with no cone penalties called in.

But for the true "average" driver (as opposed to the average performance driver).

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