Next upgrade for AutoX

[lizardman]

I'm looking for ideas to get just a bit quicker. I have been running local events in CAM-C and have a whole 3 years experience. I've looked through some of your builds for inspiration and have come up with a few ideas. I can' do it all at once so I have to prioritize.
A. Power: GT350 manifold, E85
B. Weight: Rear seat delete, Xpipe, race seat, etc.
C. Front Geometry: Steeda Lateral and Tension Links, Bump Steer
D. Rear stability: Toe Link Bearing, Lower Control Arm Spherical Bearing, Differential Bushing
E. Brakes: Stainless lines
F. Seat time: Evolution Performance Driving School

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[BmacIL]

Well, outside of seat time (which is usually the best value and most effective), what do you want the car to do differently? Of the mods, items C and the first two in D would be best. Power later if the car is fully sorted/you can put down what you have and need more.

 

[lizardman]

Well, outside of seat time (which is usually the best value and most effective), what do you want the car to do differently? Of the mods, items C and the first two in D would be best. Power later if the car is fully sorted/you can put down what you have and need more.

Thanks for your response. I agree with seat time. I did 19 events last year and hope to do that many again this year. I usually analyze the video Sunday night when I get home and use that as a learning tool as well.
If I get my entry speed correct the car has a slight push on entry and mid-corner. Some courses I wish it rotated just a little bit better but I'm not willing to give up corner exit to get it. I am hoping that correcting the roll center and replacing the bushings would mitigate some of the push.
Power down low is good, I just have to get better at management. Eliminating the compliance of the rear should help with exit off. I do feel I need more power at the top of the RPM range (7500 limiter), but I haven't been able to convince myself that more power up top will translate to a better time on the slower region events vs the cost.
I wish the brakes were better. More bite and less pedal travel. I'm going to do a full flush with RBF660 in hopes of getting that better.

 

[NightmareMoon]

F. Driver skill outweighs all of those things.

Then I'd be looking at the seat (for a better connection to the car, to improve driver feedback), more weight reduction and geometry tweaks.

 

[JohnD]

Weight reduction, this car is porky.
The understeer you're seeing is what you can expect with the PP. I'm going to suggest you're entering corners still a bit too hard which is a very common mistake, back up your entry a bit and it will go away, once you get past that the car is fine mid corner and great off the corner. But keeping the front end hooked up on entry is critical.

 

[lizardman]

Weight reduction, this car is porky.
The understeer you're seeing is what you can expect with the PP. I'm going to suggest you're entering corners still a bit too hard which is a very common mistake, back up your entry a bit and it will go away, once you get past that the car is fine mid corner and great off the corner. But keeping the front end hooked up on entry is critical.

You are correct. If I overdrive my entry the corner is gone. When I do get it close to right there is still a bit of push. But with my sway bar settings, I don't know if I can eliminate it. I could probably back off some from a full stiff sway bar setting, but the guys I've been talking to tell me that is correct for the car and just learn to drive it!
Thank you
AL

 

[lizardman]

F. Driver skill outweighs all of those things.

Then I'd be looking at the seat (for a better connection to the car, to improve driver feedback), more weight reduction and geometry tweaks.

I had not considered replacing the seats as a performance mod just weight reduction. I'm 50 years old, grew up on a farm and have been driving for 40+ years. So much of driving is how it feels. A good seat, harness bar, and belts might just make a measurable difference.
Thank you
AL

 

[1 old racer]

I have been racing cars for 45+ years, OMG I am getting old. The type of automotive competition I suck at the most is Autocross. I always seam to work the car to death. However I have found that when I get sloppy on the track I will re find my skills doing a autocross event. I have also learned over the years that the best mod is seat time. With that said I am going to say something that I am a little uneasy with, so here it goes. Anything that will make you one with the car is the next best mod. Yes a four or 5 point harness and a good racing seat. But I must give a warning I dont like to see guys use racing harness without a roll bar. If the car rolls and the roof gives way you have no place to go . However they do glue you to the seat and it does make a difference. Harness bars are a good intro. If you like the feel then invest in a 4 point roll bar with a harness bar.

 

[BmacIL]

Not that safety improvements are a bad thing, but if you're rolling a car doing autocross, you're doing it really, really, really wrong. Also, you must then use a HANS with a roll bar. The quickfit pro harness with good seats are more than enough to keep you one with the car and improve your driving. I know just adding the harness improved my driving significantly. If you're doing regular track driving, a roll bar and HANS would be a good idea to keep you safe in the event of a crash.

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