[sjr56]

Getting ready to try my hand at Autocross on the 26th. Car has Eibach Prokit, welded SFC's, Tokico HP's, 4:10 gears. It has new Nitto 555's(275's and 315's). Was hearing about adjusting tire pressures up when I run and that seems like it would lessen grip, expecially accelling from the apex. I drive pretty agressive, and understand sometimes you need to slowdown to go fast. Not expecting to set the world on fire but want to show the best I can.
Also, what about MM's Panhard kit? any tips or thoughts would be appreciated....

[ReverendDexter]

First off, just go and drive Seat time is the best teacher.

2nd, yes, you will need to up your tire pressures. While lower pressures are better for directional grip, you need to increase your lateral grip, which comes from stiffening the sidewalls. There is definitely a balance, but for handling you need pressure in those tires. For a RWD car, start with ~3-5 lbs less in your rears tires than the front and work from there. I usually try to run at least 40 lbs up front, if not closer to 45. If you have tires you bought for drag racing, leave them at home, you'll be better off on street tires.

DON'T OVERDRIVE. You WILL eat cones doing that. Drive within your limits. Double especially on your first run or two. Take it easy, you're there to have fun!

Don't shift if you don't have to. For 99% of people it will cost more time to shift down to first and back up to 2nd than it will to just pull from 2nd. Plus, shifting is just one more thing to think about.

Walk the course, twice if you have the time. Walk the path you expect to follow while in the driver's seat, and crouch down and look at the course from the same height you'll be at in the car. Things can look different down there, and that can make a difference when you start chasing 10ths.

When I drive, I put my windows down. Listen to your tires. If they're screaming, you're at your limit, and you're heating them up. Screaming tires now means you're borrowing grip from later in your run.

Ideally, you should either be on the gas or on the brakes. Coasting means you could've accelerated longer and braked harder and made up some time. The only exception to this is if you're at the limits of your tires.

If they follow SCCA classes, you WILL get upclassed into oblivion. Seriously, a different air filter can be enough to bump you out of stock class, as will brake lines if you car is less than 10 years old.

Yes, a panhard bar would be nice Don't be surprised when understeer turns into snap oversteer.

Lastly, don't show up with the attitude of "Mustangs are teh best EVAR", you *are* going to get your ass handed to you by Miatas and Hondas; just take it in stride.

Have fun!

[sjr56]

Thanks for the info. I use to run a VW 16V GTI and spent some time on the track as well as running the slalom races(usually beat the race class) so I understand not overdriving. I like ripping the GT and I def know its not a world beater. I'll try to get some pics or video in action and post. Thanks again.

[sjr56]

I spoke to the head guy reguarding class and it sounded like ESP. Sound right???

[ReverendDexter]

Originally Posted by sjr56 I spoke to the head guy reguarding class and it sounded like ESP. Sound right???

Yeah, that sounds about right. Mustangs usually start in F Stock, so with your mods, I'm not surprised that you went up to E and Street Prepared.

It's sooo much fun to toss these cars around at their limit I just went two days ago and you've got me all riled up to go again!

[sjr56]

I just got home from a nice accelerated drive thru the mountains with the wife. Found some new back roads that were pretty fun, without hitting crazy speeds (public roads!!) The wifes 1st time in the car with the new wheels, tires, and shocks. She loved it till I drifted around a 15mph hairpin LOL.