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16
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Bobzilla |
9,419 |
7th August 2007 - 08:50 PM Last post by: silet |
This was after Sunday's event. Great guy. Super nice, very knowledgable. He typically drives a 2006 Mini Cooper-S in SM and dominates. So. . here's his thoughts on me and the car. Maybe it can be a bit of help to others as well.
QUOTE
It was nice to meet you in person today Bob. Same for your family. Thanks for the ride, I enjoyed it. I hope you had fun at Walesboro, and will come back down to hoan your skills some more. I expect you to smoke Will at the next event, and the Neon before the end of the season!
Some car setup suggestions, though they might not make sense financially or be in line with what you want to do with the Elantra:
Tires - Sizes - 205/45-16 currently, sizes worth considering would be 215/45-16, 225/45-16 and 205/45-16, and 205/50-16 in that order, trying to maximize width without giving up gearing. I wouldn't go any shorter than 205/45-16, but that seemed to work pretty well. I was within 100rpm (or less) of redline in 2nd going through the finish lights, and also approaching the garage after the pin turn today. I would probably avoid 225/50-16 or 205/55-16 as you'll lose to much acceleration. Get the stickiest thing that fits your budget in one of those above sizes. The Falken 615 Azenis (215/45) are great, as are the new Bridgestone RE-01R (205/45). Next tier in appropriate sizes would be Hankook R-S212 (225/45 or 205/50).
Camber plates, or camber bolts, whatever will help you get some more negative camber up front. You can run up to around -2degs without getting into wear issues with lots of street miles. I run -2.4deg up front, -1.8deg rear, every day, 100 miles a day. The additional camber would really help grip in the corners. As you already know, toe does a lot more damage to the tires on the street than camber does.
Swaybars. The car balance felt pretty good as is, so I would be inclined to increase both the front and rear bar sizes. As we discussed, putting in poly bushings with your current swaybars on each end would also help, though obviously to a lesser degree. This should be pretty simple and pretty cost effective, and again would help speed response in transitions and grip in corners.
Brake pads - don't know what you're running, but I've had great results using Porterfield R4-S pads. Low dust and noise, good bite, no fade autocrossing.
Springs/shocks - very subjective, but you could probably go a little stiffer without screwing up the ride and that would also help in braking and cornering. Obviously, you've already got aftermarket springs on and I know it's really frustrating to spend more money to replace what you've already bought. Given ride and $ considerations, swaybars might be more logical. Both will make the car faster. I haven't used them personally, but I'm hearing really good things about the Koni FSD shocks for improved handling with good ride characteristics. I don't know if they make them for the Elantra yet.
Driving reminders - SMOOTH steering and pedal application! Think hard about where to shift gears, and shift early or late if need be to try and make the shift when you would already be lifting out of the throttle anway. Take full advantage of the maximum engine speed in 1st, but don't be afraid to short-shift it to second if that coincides with a turn that you have to lift for. Keep it slow and really tight on pin turns, and roll onto the gas as you get past the halfway point of the turn if possible. Get back into the gas as early as possible coming out of garages and turns, though that might require rolling onto the gas instead of hammering it. Look for advantages when lining up at the start, trying to make as straight a line as possible to the first place you HAVE to turn the car. Turn in a little earlier in slaloms, and focus on moving the steering wheel slower but sooner to smooth out the transitions. You should be trying to run over the back side of the cones in slaloms, so that means when you cross the center axis of the slalom you should already be turning the wheel back for the next cone.
Look for important elements, and adjust your line to take maximize your speed where it counts. Using today's course as an example, coming back through the funky slalom near the trailer was a key point. If you exited the element in the right place you could carry 100% throttle all the way down to the entry to the last slalom, which was a long, long way in an autocross. Thus it was worth it to give up a tiny bit of speed two gates prior to the slalom to help make sure you could get through that key slalom before the trailer in good shape.
Most of all, remember that the car will go faster than you think it can, IF you can maximize the available grip by selecting good lines and making smooth input into the controls. Don't force it by diving into corners more aggressively, as that will only chew up tires and slow you down, not to mention frustrate you when the times don't improve and you cone. Smoothness and car placement are key.
Scott
90SM
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18
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Bobzilla |
7,919 |
25th July 2007 - 11:23 AM Last post by: Vampyrate |
. . .force myself to look farther ahead? It's been pointed out to me on a couple different occasions that I'm not looking far enough ahead. When I DO look farther ahead, I am definately faster and smoother.
Suggestions? Maybe make a CD that chants "Look ahead. Look ahead" and play it while running? Even when I do look up, I still find myself creeping back into the "What am I doing now" mode.
Meh. . .probably just need more seat time. I'll get it. I just need to find a way to beat it into my head.
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28
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Toecutter |
18,480 |
24th July 2007 - 05:22 PM Last post by: Toecutter |
I installed the NRG 4 point camlock harness today. This thing was cheap... like $70 shipped, and the shoulder pads were only $10 on Ebay. The camlock itself is a nice piece, and I have heard that it is actually manufactured by Corbeau. However NRG clearly shaved cost in the adjustment hardware, and the belts. It will be completely functional and durable, just not as nice as Willans, Schroth, Corbeau, etc...
I used stock mounting points for the shoulder belts. However, in order to get it so the harness mounts wouldn't interfere with the stock belt mounts, I used 7/16" steel shaft collars between the harness mounts and the stock mounts. I also used longer mounting bolts (grade 8) and new washers (also grade 8).
For the left side lap belt I also used the stock mounting location at the bottom of the B pillar. Here I replaced the original spacer (saved for later) with a 7/16" steel shaft collar because the shaft collar is about 1/8" shorter than the original spacer, still provides space between the harness mount and the plastic trim on the B pillar. Most importantly, replacing this spacer with a shorter one allowed me to use the existing shoulder bolt and still have sufficient thread engagement. There is also a thin washer between the stock seatbelt mount and the harness mount. This allows the stock seatbelt mount to rotate freely on the shoulder bolt without interfering with the harness belt.
Finally, for the right side lap belt mount, I drilled a hole in the tunnel for it. I used the spacer originally removed from the B pillar to get the mount just above surface of the carpeting when torqued. This makes it so that the belt doesn't bind in the mount. I cut a hole in the carpet the size of the OD of the spacer, drilled a hole in the tunnel, and assembled with a 1 1/2" long 7/16-20 hex head bolt and flat washer on the inside of the car. In the tunnel is a 2" OD fender washer, lock washer nut. I also applied a generous portion of RTV silicone to the back side of the fender washer to seal the hole in the tunnel. All hardware is grade 8, except the fender washer, which is SS.
Obviously, I cant wait until Sunday to try this rig out. I am confident that it will be a great improvement over the stock 3 point belt. When the racing is done all of the belts can be neatly tucked away.
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0
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Bobzilla |
2,233 |
20th July 2007 - 07:51 AM Last post by: Bobzilla |
Wifey and I are going. OK, I'm going. She hasn't made up her mind yet. Jason's getting a rematch, Tim's gonna be there to pick up some stuff.
ANyone else?
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3
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Bobzilla |
3,423 |
13th July 2007 - 04:37 PM Last post by: Bobzilla |
Another SCCA event at Mt Comfort. Great facility. Easy to get to. Fun time.
www.indyscca.org
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26
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JohnsRedGT |
15,584 |
5th July 2007 - 02:24 PM Last post by: Bobzilla |
Help me out here, guys - in 14.10.D it says emmisions legal headers are allowed. HOWEVER...............since all headers for our car remove the first cat, are we still good to go or are we screwed? I appreciate the help.
Happy fourth!
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5
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oiml8 |
4,770 |
5th July 2007 - 10:21 AM Last post by: SWortham |
SO TRY ROAD RACING. OMG, I went to an autox event yesterday that was held at a the Waterford Hills Raceway. It was put on by the Corvette Club. I went to one last year that was put on by the SCCA and they had the course so coned off that it was actually more dangerous IMO. At that event there were about 5 crashes. At this event yesterday there were none. And my speeds were over 80 miles an hour. Yeah man, that's right!!! Over 80. I was near the rev limiter in 3rd gear. HAHAHAHA. They only had the course conned off in the most dangerous areas but still allowed you to keep your speed up. I think I finished 3rd or 4th in CMT, which an EP car could race in if this were SCCA. Their classifications are way different in terms of modifications allowed.
So, talk about feeling the G's. Talk about butterflies in the gut. Sweaty palms and after lap jitters. OMG. I think I found a new form of racing to do. Unless they start running all autox events on road courses.
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68
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Toecutter |
28,072 |
5th July 2007 - 09:07 AM Last post by: JohnsRedGT |
I guess I'm screwed, and it looks like I might have to remove my header. The header eliminates the pre-cat (not allowed), and the cat that I chose to put in the exhaust system is a Magnaflow (also not allowed). I suppose as soon as I get competetive somebody is going to call me on it.
Here are the exhaust modification rules for STS:
14.10.D
Exhaust manifolds and headers may be replaced with alternate units which are emissions-legal. Relocation of the oxygen sensor on the header is permitted. Alternate oxygen sensors, including heated types, are permitted. This allowance does not permit
relocation of the catalytic converter (see 13.10.E). Exhaust heat shields may be modified the minimum amount necessary to accommodate allowed alternate exhaust components.
13.10.E
Any part of the exhaust system beyond (downstream from) the header/manifold or catalytic converter, if so equipped, may be substituted provided the system meets the requirements of 3.5. Stainless steel heat exchangers are permitted only if the physical dimensions and configuration remain unchanged. Modifications of any type, including additions to or removal of, the catalytic converters, thermal reactors, or any other pollution control devices in the exhaust system are not allowed and the system must be operable. Replacement catalytic converters must be OE if the vehicle has not exceeded the five-year/50,000 mile warranty period as mandated by the EPA. Converters must be of the same type and size and used in the same location as the
original equipment converter(s). This does not allow for a high performance unit. If the vehicle has exceeded the five-year/50,000 mile warranty period, replacement catalytic converters must be OE-type as per Section 13.
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8
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Bobzilla |
6,154 |
5th July 2007 - 08:36 AM Last post by: JohnsRedGT |
Official SCCA results are posted
HEREI'm officiallt 2nd in Novice (37 novice), tied for 4th in STS (19 in class) and 21st in Tovey Cup standings (solo drover of the year, 178 people competeing in the region this year).
Damn! I must be REALLY lucky, or she's a better car than I've been giving her credit for. I must say that I have to thank EVERYONE here for us being were we are!
---------
Of course, now I think I'm gonna have to change my plans for the 5th. I wasn't gonna go to the Columbus meet, but now with the chance of an actuall trophy at the end of the year I think I need to.
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61
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Toecutter |
28,145 |
2nd July 2007 - 05:50 PM Last post by: cobas |
Of course I turn TCS off for auto-x, but I fear that one day I am completely going to blow a run for forgetting to turn it off. Can I just remove the fuse for the day? Furthermore, what about the ABS fuse? Has anyone tried this?
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8
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abalaev |
5,124 |
29th June 2007 - 06:41 PM Last post by: Toecutter |
Hello,
I don't know how to lay it down... let's make it short... I cannot decide and would appreciate some input:
- Does it make sense to install a restrain harness if you autoX?
- What harness is better: 3 point or 4 point?
- How to "connect" it to the car behind the driver seat?
- Does it make sense to use an adaptor(s) for the connection so that the harness can "plug-and-play" into the standard seat belt things? I want for the harness to be easily removable when someone rides on the back seat...
- If yes does anyone know where to get the adaptors?
I know that Jason has it installed
Thanks in advance
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5
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Bobzilla |
4,172 |
25th June 2007 - 11:08 AM Last post by: saturn |
Anything within 200 miles of Indy? Wife's in Tucson so I won't feel guilty.
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11
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Midnightsky |
7,395 |
24th June 2007 - 05:50 PM Last post by: Cite 3 |
Ok i'm takin my lantra to the track friday to see what times i can grab. I will post times asap after i get home. Mods include an SRI w/K&N, removed second cat, stock res replaced with baffled res, stock muffler replaced with dynomax super turbo muffler, tires are kuhmo ecsta SPT's 205/40/R17 Z-rated. I hope i can get some interesting times to post, wish me luck
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2
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Bobzilla |
3,116 |
21st June 2007 - 05:58 PM Last post by: Toecutter |
3 races into the season I'm tied for 4th in STS. It's really competitve in our class it looks like. 1st is tied at 21pts, 3rd is 18pts, 4th is tied at 12, 6th is tied at 9.
Looks like I need to step it up a little to get me a year end trophy!
Anyone else know where they are in class ranking?
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13
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Toecutter |
8,484 |
20th June 2007 - 10:00 AM Last post by: Toecutter |
I have a Test-N-Tune on June 9th, I wan to try at least two things.
1) Disconnect front swaybar
2) Play with damper settings
(a couple of runs at Min vs. Max to see if I can tell the difference)
Front is -3 degrees and 1/8" toe-out. The rear is -1.5 degrees and 0 toe.
What I have listed above is probably all that I'll have tome for, but I'm open to additional suggestions.
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5
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Bobzilla |
3,917 |
19th June 2007 - 01:15 PM Last post by: Bobzilla |
I'm a solid 2nd in rookie points after 3 events! Woohoo.
Now back to your regularly scheduled surfing.
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12
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Bobzilla |
6,755 |
12th June 2007 - 08:43 PM Last post by: gonzo777 |
I know steve and I have talked (briefly) about this before. But the strange thing about this was the steering "lock" I have gotten used to dealing with was gone, but the fluid is boiling over out of the reservoir. I've noticed from past events that there was a bit of dampness on the top of the res for the p/s fluid but no real accumulation. I just ass-u-me-ed that it was from the sloshing effect of high g-loads that the car was never expected to encounter.
Today was different. THe fluid was VERY hot and was dripping off the res container. Cap was tight but after each run was pushed up. I'm guessing that the heat + super grip of the tarmac + long course was overheating the original fluid.
Now. . . options? I'm guessing a synthetic fluid flush. What about running a "cooler" ? I'm thinking running the fluid out in front of the radiator in a metal "U" then back into the res.
One? Both? Overkill? Over worrying?
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3
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Ishtar |
3,164 |
12th June 2007 - 09:21 AM Last post by: Ishtar |
Which stock class does this fall in?
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16
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opz |
8,452 |
1st June 2007 - 11:03 PM Last post by: theman |
The local drags are starting up again, and im thinking im going to run my car in it.
This is mostly because my friend who belives his VW (which according to him can toast damn near anything), wants to see who's car is faster.
While there are plenty of flat stretches of road, I wanna take this to the track so I can get it recorded. Im fairly certain that I can take him...I did beat him (once out of two runs) when I had the auto and we were at the drags.
My mods:
CAI
Short Shifter
Headers
Some random *** exhaust
His mods:
CAI
stage 2 clutch from auto zone
ebay exhaust
So who do you folks think will win? He INSISTS that he will walk me, and that I "shift slow", but thats because of the spring. And his "shifting faster" is just slamming the clutch, reving up, dumping the clutch. This is his second clutch, which proves that beating on them makes them go out SO faster.
I think I got it though. I don't spin tires, I grip and go. He burns out and goes no where.
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1
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02CanGT |
2,364 |
27th May 2007 - 09:47 PM Last post by: mregt02 |
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3
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Bobzilla |
3,275 |
25th May 2007 - 10:14 AM Last post by: Ishtar |
This coming Sunday June 3rd is the Indy region SCCA solo at Grissom. Awesome complex, great surface and plenty of room to run.
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2
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J-son |
2,452 |
24th May 2007 - 09:36 PM Last post by: Toecutter |
I did a co-driver this time. It was my Step-Dad Denny and he did a great job for his 1st time racing my car and 1st ever Auto-X. He picked up really quick. I liked having a co-driver. It made me realize my slow spots in the course where I needed to go faster. He would come in a sweeper way faster than I did and I was like,"WOW, ok, I can hit that faster!"
He took 9th out of 11 drivers and I took 6th.
The car is really dialed in. Now I need to get more seat time and confidence in myself to go faster. Learned a lot about my car this past Sunday
Hope you enjoyed the above!!!
Jason
Some photos my Mom took...
Denny, strapped in!!!
READY TO ROCK!!! Thumbs man!!!
One of the little Ryan kickin' it with us!!!
Cannot wait to get him out there with me
JM
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6
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Krad |
4,267 |
22nd May 2007 - 08:05 PM Last post by: Krad |
I went to the track yesterday for the first time. We, a couple friends of mine, went to Raceway Park in Old Bridge.
It definitely showed me how slow my take off is.
My fastest 1/8 was 11 flat (rounded to nearest tenth; slowest 1/8 was 12.1 seconds. My fastest 1/4 was 17.1 and slowest 18.4.
The first time, I did Ok, although take off was slow and reaction time was exactly 1 second. The 2nd time my R/T was .3 seconds better but I did a little grinding on 2nd gear. The 3rd time I did .4 seonds better than my first time and my take off was much better but didn't get the time I wanted. I wanted to get into the 16s.
I know I can get into the 16s but I have to learn how to take off better. I let my friend with a Lance (he didn't run at all) run my car, he got 19.3 and burned my clutch... a lot. It smelled so bad. I was sad.
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0
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oiml8 |
2,282 |
18th May 2007 - 07:06 PM Last post by: oiml8 |
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5
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Krad |
3,982 |
16th May 2007 - 03:48 PM Last post by: oiml8 |
Ok, after a couple days of researching and looking through forums, I didn't find much.
So far, all I have a SRI and a Front Strut Bar... I am needing more, yes, my name is Ryan and I have a problem.
I've been look specifically for some new springs to lower my car, full cat back, and new header; not to mention a rear sway bar and/or strut bar.
I found a header and cat back on Evo Fusion but it's too much for my pockets at the moment. I would like to know if parts from other cars fit my '05 GT, 5 door.
I wish to get into AutoX this year so any tips on what I should do next it greatly apperciated of the up most. Although I still want enough power. A friend of mine just brought a '02 Jetta 1.8T (auto) and that's my only completion that I can reach.
For those who don't want to read that:
Looking for parts that will fit my '05 GT, hatch, made specifically for it or not.
Again, ANY advice is greatly apperciated.
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5
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J-son |
4,874 |
14th May 2007 - 11:04 PM Last post by: Toecutter |
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14
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SL1CK |
7,418 |
8th May 2007 - 11:10 PM Last post by: QuickSilverSE07 |
To all of those who helped me with my car this is how it turned out last nite...we finally met up and they were full of it...saying it had exhaust, header, and a cai...all it had was the exhaust...well the first time i beat him by about a car and the second time he beat me by about two cars...so it was a alright night...well anywayz laterz
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14
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Toecutter |
8,072 |
2nd May 2007 - 05:23 PM Last post by: Toecutter |
I posted my results over
here, but here are a few pictures as well:
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2
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mregt02 |
2,859 |
30th April 2007 - 04:01 PM Last post by: mregt02 |
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5
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mregt02 |
3,883 |
26th April 2007 - 02:56 PM Last post by: xdforme22 |
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