Stock class SCCA autocross rules/class changes 2014 & 2015
11-01-2013, 09:31 AM
#11
I'm not new to the sport, newer than some, but more experienced than others. I've been doing this for 9 years now. My beef is similar to alot of others' I have heard from: I really want to race, I really want to compete, but I can't afford to be competetive. It seems like that was one reason for creating the 'street' class in the first place. I know they made up some 'bs' about how the R-comps drastically change the handling charasteristics of the vehicle so that it isn't the same as a 'stock' vehicle. While that is all well and true in some cases, you have to realize that the RT classes grew for a reason, and they grew quickly. Maybe it was that the tires were cheaper, therefore the cost of running was cheaper. Maybe it was because some cars had an advantage and others didn't when on 'street' tires, it's all very individualized, but we all have to agree that there are probably a LOT of people at your local events that would be more attracted to the sport if there was a way for them to run competetively on a much smaller budget. It just so happens that I'm kind-a in the same boat.
All this being said, I am glad to hear that some cars (or drivers!) are competetive on stock shocks. That atleast gives me hope that the car *should* be somewhat competetive being that it has all the other mods for street class. Now I just need to continue my own improvements, as well as get some better tires (Kumho XS's that have a production date in 2008 are not exactly the stickiest or softest out there).
All this being said, I am glad to hear that some cars (or drivers!) are competetive on stock shocks. That atleast gives me hope that the car *should* be somewhat competetive being that it has all the other mods for street class. Now I just need to continue my own improvements, as well as get some better tires (Kumho XS's that have a production date in 2008 are not exactly the stickiest or softest out there).
11-01-2013, 10:00 AM
#12
I'm not new to the sport, newer than some, but more experienced than others. I've been doing this for 9 years now. My beef is similar to alot of others' I have heard from: I really want to race, I really want to compete, but I can't afford to be competetive. It seems like that was one reason for creating the 'street' class in the first place. I know they made up some 'bs' about how the R-comps drastically change the handling charasteristics of the vehicle so that it isn't the same as a 'stock' vehicle. While that is all well and true in some cases, you have to realize that the RT classes grew for a reason, and they grew quickly. Maybe it was that the tires were cheaper, therefore the cost of running was cheaper. Maybe it was because some cars had an advantage and others didn't when on 'street' tires, it's all very individualized, but we all have to agree that there are probably a LOT of people at your local events that would be more attracted to the sport if there was a way for them to run competetively on a much smaller budget. It just so happens that I'm kind-a in the same boat.
All this being said, I am glad to hear that some cars (or drivers!) are competetive on stock shocks. That atleast gives me hope that the car *should* be somewhat competetive being that it has all the other mods for street class. Now I just need to continue my own improvements, as well as get some better tires (Kumho XS's that have a production date in 2008 are not exactly the stickiest or softest out there).
All this being said, I am glad to hear that some cars (or drivers!) are competetive on stock shocks. That atleast gives me hope that the car *should* be somewhat competetive being that it has all the other mods for street class. Now I just need to continue my own improvements, as well as get some better tires (Kumho XS's that have a production date in 2008 are not exactly the stickiest or softest out there).
Maybe in the meantime you can start saving up cash for some konis or something so that eventually you can do that upgrade.
I think the best thing you can do in a lot of cases is get somebody really fast in your car. That will give you a great idea, no bs, of how fast your car is. Autocross is all about the driver generally. Even most national champions are leaving a decent amount of time out there. It's a little bit depressing actually when I go from my fully prepped for STR car with $$$ shocks and everything into a relative newbie's car with basically tires and that's it or maybe a sway bar and my times are really a lot closer than you'd think...
11-01-2013, 10:52 AM
#13
And custom valved shocks are not as necessary when you're on street tires because too stuff will shock the tires.
Take RTA / DS WRX. Most people run OTS Konis because nobody makes a good DA shock. There are still stock shock trophy winners in that class.
"Affording to be competitive" is often a matter of how crappy of a car you're willing to drive....
Plenty of ST* co-drives available at reasonable prices.
Take RTA / DS WRX. Most people run OTS Konis because nobody makes a good DA shock. There are still stock shock trophy winners in that class.
"Affording to be competitive" is often a matter of how crappy of a car you're willing to drive....
Plenty of ST* co-drives available at reasonable prices.
11-01-2013, 12:37 PM
#15
The whole point was: "what do you do when your 12 year old 120,000 mile car needs new shocks and they've discontinued the model or OEM prices are just silly?"
Replacing worn OEM shocks with new ones costs more than the TC Kline DAs.
Replacing worn OEM shocks with new ones costs more than the TC Kline DAs.
11-01-2013, 12:42 PM
#16
Not to mention that OEM shocks vary quite a bit so the guy who wants to spend $4k on street class could easily still spend $4k blueprinting a batch of OEM shocks and matching up the best ones and end up spending much more with much less to show for it.
And then since he can't do a cheap rebuild like you can with normal racing shocks, he'd end up having to do it again every year to keep things fresh.
The people who will spend anything at the very top will do so no matter what the rules are.
And then since he can't do a cheap rebuild like you can with normal racing shocks, he'd end up having to do it again every year to keep things fresh.
The people who will spend anything at the very top will do so no matter what the rules are.
11-02-2013, 04:23 PM
#17
Interesting conversation.
I too am in the the AP1 street stock rim debate. So last night i spent many hours researching other rims.
GM has some 53 mm offset, 17x6.5 options, BUT, the bolt pattern is 5x115, not 5x114.3. Maybe grind out the bolt holes? maybe crash then?
i haven't found any great options...yet.
darcy
I too am in the the AP1 street stock rim debate. So last night i spent many hours researching other rims.
GM has some 53 mm offset, 17x6.5 options, BUT, the bolt pattern is 5x115, not 5x114.3. Maybe grind out the bolt holes? maybe crash then?
i haven't found any great options...yet.
darcy
11-03-2013, 09:30 AM
#20
Registered User
Search for the right width and bolt pattern first. Offset if much more easily and safely fixed than bolt pattern.