Auto-X techniques

[ChrisR]

I'm wondering if one should stay in 1st gear the whole time, or 2nd gear? I know it depends a lot on the course layout. Last time it seemed like in 1st gear I would average 5.5-7 rpms, and if in 2nd RPM's were more like 4-6.

Let's hear some techniques you guys use. I need some instruction, cause I suck frown

 

[thebigjimsho]

Well, let's just say you can't tell until you're there.

I found out the hard way that a portion of slalom was too fast to keep in 1st gear. I asked the same question and decided on some trial and error. Unfortunately, my 212k mile 3.0 and faulty oil pump dictated that 8,000 rpm was too much. A spun bearing later answered my question.

Basically, you want to keep it as much in the 4,500-6,000 rpm range as possible. Unless you have Stage II cams or something. Try to keep your shifts to an absolute minimum. Even if there is a part of the course that makes your revs drop to 3,000 for a short time, you may want to stay in 2nd so you don't lose time on your shift. You will feel as though you're losing time but you'll be amazed at how you don't. And stay as smooth as possible.

Really, you want to find another FWD owner, pick his brain as much as possible and see if he'll ride with you. That and really learning the course layout will help you a bunch.

And plenty of seat time. boink

 

[mopower]

is going to be difficult to be competitive with the sho. Its just the nature of the car. However you can be if you practice.

Keep shifting to a minimal, and dont try to push the car. Any time the tires are scrubbing, you are loosing time. The sho is kind of large for most courses.

the best thing to do is to keep trying and you should get better over time.

 

[ChrisR]

Thanks for the info- very helpful thumbs_u

Can't wait for the next one. I know it is very hard to compete, but it is a LOT of fun, even if I never have a chance at winning.

<small>[ February 02, 2003, 09:33 PM: Message edited by: ChrisR ]</small>

 

[94mtx]

where do you autocross?? with the scca, if so their courses @ pir are very tight and when i autocrossed with them i would never leave 1st gear. they just dont have the room in the pits there. but that is just me. if you want to drive down to eugene area, the eugene emerald sports car club also autocrosses. you should get your car aligned with 1.0-1.5 degress of negative camber up front. and get some good tires. other than that i would not spend much $$ on building the sho for any autocross class. use the $$ on making it what you want, then fit in to whatever class you are legal in. but seat time and riding time with other competitors is invaluable. enjoy your autocrossing!! also track days at pir are a blast!!! you will have much more fun with your sho on the track, trust me

jon

 

[ChrisR]

I mostly do it up at Bremerton raceway. I've only actually done it once-in the rain at that! The other 2 I went to, I didn't get to run.
But it's the same as PIR, very tight courses.
I would say I totally agree with everything you said. Like spending my money on what I want my car to be, then fit in whatever class I may fit into-that is a great way to put it. This summer I really want to get a few track days in at PIR, I hope got those Bear's for something! (I guess they will at least look nice behind the 18's too wink )

Later,
Chris

 

[AutoXSHO]

(/lurk)

The Baers won't help on the autocross course - rarely do big brake kits do anything at autocrosses but slow down your acceleration because of the increase in rotational mass. Still, nobody will fault you for having them. The factory SHO brakes just stink.

Over my years of autocrossing I have learned that it is not often that downshifting saves you any time. Pick a gear and stick with it. Yes, the 3.0L SHO engine quite soft below 4,000 RPM but the time you spend there will be very small compared with the time ti takes to bang off a downshift and an upshift. If the course never lets you get into second gear because it's so tight, then just run it in first.

As you get started in autocrossing I would worry less about car prep and mods and more about being consistent and smooth. Try to find the fastest line during your course walk (i.e. the one that allows you to carry the most speed with the fewest corrections) and when driving always be looking for that next gate. The point at which you need to start modifying the setup of the car is the point at which you cannot drive the car faster in its current configuration. (Of course, having the basics like good tires, a decent alignment and well prepared suspension help your consistency and are good places to start.)

Just have fun and don't be afraid to have some of the local hotshoes ride along with you to give you pointers.

(lurk)

John V

 

[thebigjimsho]

If your first time was in the rain, that's a very good way to stink being a first timer. Don't sweat it. Before you get too caught up finishing badly, remember that it's all about being smooth. And it's very hard to be smooth your first time when your traction is cut in half.

Seat time is #1!! boink

 

[Porod]

Make sure you're not trying "too hard". I seem to get better times (.5-1 second better!) when I am not pushing as hard as possible. Like Mopower said, when the tires are breaking loose, you are losing time. Get as many ride alongs as you can (both with people in your car giving you pointers, and as many in other peoples cars as possible!) Good luck, and enjoy! thumbs_u