Printable Version of Topic

Posted by: Bobzilla Mar 2 2014, 10:58 AM

Unfortunately/Fortuntely the brakes bump you out of ST classes. That puts you into FSP or SMF, both of which are R-comp tire classes. It's also fortunate because the Elantra is still classed in STC, also known as spec-89 civic. The Elantra can't even get close to competing with that car. I know.... I've driven both in anger

Worthwhile mods that you NEED are #1, rear sway bar. #2, smaller, wider, lighter wheels and a 225 width tire. The Elantra is heavy. One could almost call it "porky" So as much tire as you can stuff under it, the better. The rear wheel wells aren't going to let much more than a 225 out back.

The sensen struts and eibachs will be, well, worthless on an auto-x course. The rear shocks are way under damped and the eibach springs just don't have the spring rate that a heavy car like the elantra needs.

In all honesty, the Elantra is a terrible platform to start with in Solo. It has terrible classing, it's over weight and under powered. The suspension you need to make it moderately competitive makes it completely unroadworthy.

Now, with all that said, it's also a lot of fun. No, you won't win your class, but you get the chance to find out what the car can and cannot do. You will always surprise people with how quick i can be etc. It's a great starter car IF you can get over the fact that you'll never win in it.

Now... if I was to start over with the Elantra, I think I'd prep it for track days. That's where I think that platform can shine. I'd run Tib struts with Koni Sports yellow inserts. Ground Control coilover sleeves frt/rr with 600 frt springs and 750 rears. I'd run the 22mm Whiteline RSB and do a 5-lug swap with the rear tib brakes. This will allow you to use Hawk pads front/rear and give you more braking power. Engine would get cams and a stand-alone ecu (mega squirt), catless header and 2.5" catback. She'll make ~170hp at the front wheels and handle like a demon while stopping on a dime, giving 7 cents change.

As for wheels/tires.... the lighter the better. You can get some 15x8's with a 40 offset that should fit a 225/50/15 very well. Problem is there's not much in options for that size anymore. You can run the 16x7.5/8 and a 225/50/16 Rival. That would be a good compromise and give you a better top end.

There are a lot of options for what direction you can go with this car. The nice thing is there are easy upgrades because of Hyundai platform sharing. Any of the GK Tib suspension bits work on the car and there are a lot of aftermarket options for it.