This is one of the few times in my life i've got money burning a whole in my pocket... lol.... it doesn't happen often. I've become hooked on autocrossing and i think i'm gonna spend it on performance parts. At first i was gonna jump on the big brake kit group buy, but i'm thinking that pads will do me nicely. I'd like to get some R compounds, but if i do that i'll want racing wheels too and i just don't have the money for SSR competitions right now Would you all generally agree the best mod i can do right now for around a grand is the 4.57 gears??? I've never driven an S2k with gears but i hear it makes a difference. The only car i've ever swapped was my vette from 3.08's to 3.55's and that was a real kick in the pants. Any opinions?

 

Are you trying to be competitive, or are you just trying to have fun? If you are trying to be competitive, you have to consider what class you will move to if you make any mods. See the racing and competition FAQ for autox setup, but I think the main thing that is recommended is a new front swaybar and a set of R-compounds.

 

...right after an Evolution school or other way of getting seat time to improve the "nut behind the wheel" to maximize what the stock car can do.

If a seasoned autocrosser can jump in your car (or similar) and beat your time, it's not the car. We all think we know how to drive fast but when it comes right down to it all we know how to do is use the right pedal. And even that is frequently not used effectively.

An Evo class will cost you $225-250 for a one-day class, double that if you do Phase 1 and 2. Check http://autocross.com/evolution/ for details...

 

I realize i'm not the best, and i'm sure a seasoned autoxer could jump in my seat. Still my question hasn't been answered....

 

Tires! Tires! Tires!


Above all else, tires have the biggest effect on lap times.

 

I think jguerdat answered you question perfectly.

Why spend up to $1000 modifying the car (which may not help your times at all) when it can be spent in a more effective way without actually modifying the car at all?

Driving school should be #1 on your list if you plan to better you times and skill. Modifications should come after the driver skill has been improved.

 

IMO the stock brakes are great, most race pads need serious heat before they work properly.

The Gears may or may not work depending on the courses you run on. How long are they? You will probably go slower if you have to shift more.

 

Racing School unless you are a professional driver you are most likely not driving the car anywhere near it's full potential in stock form. Why would anybody mod a car they haven't mastered first in stock form is beyond me . Once you master that, you will begin to understand any enhancements you make on the car.

 

tires. no question.

 

Yes it has been. Over and over. You just don't like the answer.