Ok, so I've been auto-xing this set up all year:

-comptech adj. front sway bar
-aggressive alignment
-R compounds

I would like to know what the more experienced folks would recomend as the next upgrade. I was thinking of getting some off the shelf Konis. I was also thinking of an exhaust for the weight savings but I'm hesitant because of the damn noise. Keep in mind cost is an issue. I'd love to drop another 5k on the set up but I have to do this one piece at a time.

Would konis really make a difference over stocks? About how much in terms of tenths on a 60 sec course?

Thanks, Matt

 

Go to an atuocrossing school. More than any other thing you can spend money on, it'll improve your lapt times the most.

 

95% of me is with Elistan.

5% of me says if you plan on keeping the car, get out there and buy an X-brace, don't get a Spoon if you change your own oil, don't believe these people who say they do nothing...

 

Illegal in Stock, Street Prepared, Street Modified, Street Touring and perhaps even Prepared.

It better be good for about 10 seconds on a 60 second course to be worth the bump

I'm 100% with Elistan. The other 50% of me is also with Elistan. Evolution.

 

Don't listen to Triple H, he's a track junkie, not a dedicated autocrosser.

If this is SCCA stock class, then you can't add an X-Brace.

I agree with Triple H and Elistan about an autocross school. I've been autocrossing since 1990. This year I took the Evolution Phase One school. I consider myself better than average and was skeptical about taking the Phase One. Let me tell you, they can teach an old dog new tricks! Dollar for dollar, it's the best investment that you can make.

To continue on the theme of improving the driver, I just purchased a cheap camcorder that I plan to put in the car for next season.

BTW--I managed a 3rd place trophy at the North East Divisional Championship this year with essentially the same setup that you have. My next parts investment will probably be shocks. But until I'm close to trophies at a National Tour, I'll invest in the driver 1st.

 

dedicated lap belt or G-Lock.

 

Right, right.... ok. Well I missed the boat on the evo school for the year so in the mean time... what magic parts can I buy!!!

 

First off, I agree with everyone else - get as much instruction _and_ seat time as possible. This year I did about 25 weekends of racing - Steve did a few more (closer to 30). Spending that much time racing definitely helped.

As for Koni shocks, Steve set fast time the second day at the DC Tour on Koni shocks when he jumped in Randyp's car. They've been revalved, but I don't know the specs on them - you'll have to contact Randyp yourself and ask.

Steve has Penske's on his car that I co-drove all year. I haven't actually driven on Konis so I can't give any direct feedback.

 

Well, if you really want to spend money, here's how I'd do it:

1) Shocks (But I don't think I'd waste my money with Konis. The stock shocks are darn good. I'd step up to a true race shock valved for autocross. Big $$$)
2) JDM Wheels. (Set on eBay right now. Could probably snag 'em for $1500-$1800)
3) Exhaust. (My personal preference is the Mugen 'cause I don't like the drone of the singles. Budget $1000-$1500.)

 

It's true, I don't know shit about autoxing rules and regulations... but if you are going to drop a lot of money on other things that bump you into a different class, then I'll stick by my suggestion.