GT350 Autocross

[Minn19]

Another tip, do NOT use Track Mode for autocross. Use Sport Mode instead with Traction and Stability off (a slow count to 5 holding the traction control button). It is entirely way too stiff and has trouble with putting the power down. Often times with autocross, you're pretty much in the meat of the powerband such as right around 4000 - 6500 RPM so you're at max torque constantly. Get ready to manage some oversteer. Take it easy on the throttle even though you'll be tempted to just go for it. Do a nice count in your head as you're rolling into the gas coming out of a corner, think of a nice and easy "one one-thousand". If you don't, big smoke show will be coming lol.

Sounds like I'll get six runs so after I get a little more comfortable with the first couple of them, I'll start experimenting with modes and TC. I'll probably just start in Sport with full nannies and go from there.

One of the main reasons I moved to this car was that the torque and power delivery are much more manageable than my previous car. Also the TC intervention is much more seamless. But, as you stated, it is still roughly 500/400 to the rear so that obviously needs to be respected.

Sponsored

 

[bruce0293]

Enjoy. This was my first run of the day this last weekend so there's a few clear mistakes. But it was a great time. Running AS on Hankook RS3 v2 305/30-19 all the way around. It's a wild friggin' ride.

Nice run, and it appears like you are doing pretty good! It will come together in time :-)

Preface: I have been autoxing for about 7 years, 4 in an S2000, 2 in a C6GS, and this year in the 350. I would like to state that IMHO the GT350 is not going to stay in AS, however that remains to be seen. The Vette was so easy to toss and was VERY planted. The 350 is 500-625 lbs heavier than the vette's, so I think it is out classed in that regard! Just my two cents.

That being said, I have ran about 9 events. I am on the board in the Steel City region, so that is home location most of the time. I have ran at North Park out of Pittsburgh, small lot, but a good group of people. Cumberland Maryland Airport Great Venue and Buffalo NY only one time. My thoughts thus far are if the course has a bit of room/open, it is a pretty good car.

I agree that the PSS tires are pretty good overall but can't compete with the new 200 tread wear tires. I am running RE-71R's on Forgeline GA1R wheels. Tire stick well, but the biggest available are 285/35. I think there may be 305/30 late this year?

IMHO, try to crowd things and add some front camber if you are able, perhaps use service bolts, which will give you a little bit more negative. I personally shut all the nannies off.

I DO NOT mean to come off boastful, just offering some experience and comments. I had a very nice guy who unfortunately is not with us anymore tell me, 'that it is all between the ears', and I would concur. Seat time will get you much more intune with the car and you, from there you will get much better over time.

~Bruce

 

[GT_Dave]

Sounds like I'll get six runs so after I get a little more comfortable with the first couple of them, I'll start experimenting with modes and TC. I'll probably just start in Sport with full nannies and go from there.

One of the main reasons I moved to this car was that the torque and power delivery are much more manageable than my previous car. Also the TC intervention is much more seamless. But, as you stated, it is still roughly 500/400 to the rear so that obviously needs to be respected.

Minn19 - I have found that running in Sport Mode with all the nannies turned off has been the most predictable setup for autocross. Track Mode seems too stiff for the tight parts of the course. I have also been running 33-34 PSI cold all around with the Michelins, I may start reducing that slightly in the rears, but it has been working well.

 

[NightmareMoon]

Walk the course as many time as your legs and time allows. It may take 4 walkthroughs or more for you to memorize the course. The more looks you can get, the less likely you'll get surprised or lost during your runs.

After the course is closed for walking, visualize the course a few times during the period before your runs to keep it fresh.

You don't need to worry about the vast majority of the cones. On any given course, you only need to think about a handful of cones (usually apex cones), but not even all the apex cones really are worth any mental attention. The less cones you worry about, the more you'll be freed up to get on the accelerator and go fast. Autox is a game of getting from point A to point B as fast as possible. All those cones in the middle are a distraction.

 

[nastang87xx]

I may start reducing that slightly in the rears, but it has been working well.

Give it a shot, I think you'll find it less slick for sure. I was running 28 rear and 32 front with the Michelins. I was running 28 rear and 30 front with the Hankooks.

Sponsored