SCCA Autocross setup thread
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a 215/40-17 should work. I had 215/40-17 Dunlop Direzza Z1* tires on my Fiesta with 17x7 SVT Focus wheels and they only rubbed when I installed the Ford Racing Bilstein autocross coilover kit and had it set too low. The front tires rubbed inside the wheel lining at full lock under heavy braking. They were fine after I raised it up a bit. So... there are 4 tires in that size. Dunlop Direzza ZII. Yokohama AD08/AD08 R and Falken RT-615K.
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Those are good choices but I am leaning toward the Toyo Proxes R1R 225/45x16. These are proven tires and has the under 24" diameter that I THINK is the limiting factor. Direzza has a 225/45x16 and 215/40x17. I don't think the Yokohama is sticky enough The Falken is a good tire just slightly less grippy than the Dunlop, Hankook and BFG. I used the Falken on my GTI before going to R-comps. If BFG comes out with a 16" fitment, that would be the way to go. I will be waiting until March 2014 to make the final decision.
BTW, BFG's web site asks viewers for comments. If enough of us go on there asking for proper 16" fitment for a FiST they will listen!!!
BTW, BFG's web site asks viewers for comments. If enough of us go on there asking for proper 16" fitment for a FiST they will listen!!!
Any of you get the latest Sports Car SCCA magazine? Great writeup on the Solo Nationals.
From what I am reading into the GS runs:
The Celica (FWD) dominated over the Focus ST the first day on the *TIGHT* course.
The Focus ST's dominated with their horsepower the second day on the longer course. Just sadly, only something like .004 seconds too slow to make up for the prior day's runs of the Celica.
What this leads me to think, is that with its lighter weight, slimmer width, the more nimble handling, and the nearly close hp per pound of the FiST compared to the FoST - perhaps the Fiesta ST (with a properly good driver) could have won both days at the nationals. Meaning it should do better than the FoST on the tight course due to its handling, and beat the Celica cause it has near FoST hp. Then be nearly equal with the FoST the next day on the longer course. Hope we can see this happen next year!
From what I am reading into the GS runs:
The Celica (FWD) dominated over the Focus ST the first day on the *TIGHT* course.
The Focus ST's dominated with their horsepower the second day on the longer course. Just sadly, only something like .004 seconds too slow to make up for the prior day's runs of the Celica.
What this leads me to think, is that with its lighter weight, slimmer width, the more nimble handling, and the nearly close hp per pound of the FiST compared to the FoST - perhaps the Fiesta ST (with a properly good driver) could have won both days at the nationals. Meaning it should do better than the FoST on the tight course due to its handling, and beat the Celica cause it has near FoST hp. Then be nearly equal with the FoST the next day on the longer course. Hope we can see this happen next year!
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I plan on making a good run at it! I've finished 3rd twice (BS Miata in 1999 and BS Solstice in 2009) so I'm hoping I'll have at least a reasonable shot at it
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At the EcoBoost challenge the Focus ST was usually setting fast time on a fairly tight course.
That was stock cars/tires with no prep but if those results are indicative it will take a very tight course for the Fiesta ST to have an advantage.
I've got to read the rules but I don't think our classification is going to translate to instant domination.
That was stock cars/tires with no prep but if those results are indicative it will take a very tight course for the Fiesta ST to have an advantage.
I've got to read the rules but I don't think our classification is going to translate to instant domination.
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there is no 17" Rival that will not rub the fenders. The Toyos have been known to chunk in heavy cars but are great with lghtweight cars.
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Having driven both I think the FiST has greater potential than the FoST but I can see how it can be course dependent. Were the cars running with TSC/ECS enabled or not? I think the FiST will be easier to drive with everything off than the FoST as wheel spin will be easier to control. I also think the narrower width is a big advantage but perhaps one that every driver might not take full advantage of.
With this thread on autocross preparation/setup we can hopefully maximize the car's potential.
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You have to remember even in stock the cars are not stock. The old Celica GTs that have dominated the last several years are highly modified autocross cars from just a few people. Them and the Neon have the ability to adjust front camber significantly, have mechanical limited slip diffs and they run small diameter wheels and wide Hoosier tires. They have dominated with Hoosier A6s. Can they do the same with Road tire Rivals, Dunlops or Hankooks? Other things to go-fast? probably.
Going back to the question about 17" vs 16" wheels..... it's about the rotational torque required to get them spinning up as much as unsprung weight.
I was 4.4 secs out of 1st in 2012 with a GTI on Hankook Z214s. That's 2.2 sec per day. Could Hoosiers given me that extra 2 seconds? Don't know. Could a little more negative camber given me that extra? For sure. Could the 500 pound weight difference between the GTI and a Celica GT been the difference? What do you think? Will the 250-300 pound weight difference in the FiST be the difference? Probably.
In autocross getting a car to rotate is as important than anything. That involves getting the front to grip with little understeer and having the rear loose and manegable. From what I've read, the Fiesta does that.
One thing for sure, I have competed against locals that are multiple national champions and others taht are consistently nationally competitive. I have kept a book on how I fare vs. them in PAX and raw times with the GTI. I will have quite a bit of confidence in whatever I see when competition starts.......
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My friend said the Toyos were chunking on her RWD 2600 lb FRS so there's at least a possibility on our cars.
Do the 17" Rivals rub on the inside? Would 1/4" extra offset be enough to make a difference?
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Ask redeker. It looked like the front and rear of the opening.
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+1 on the rotation thing. That was the secret to running a large 4WD car in HS against the MINIs, if you could make it rotate you could run with them, if you couldn't you were in for a long day.
WRT comparing against competition I have two ProSolo national championships and two Nationals 3rd places in classes of 50+ so I think I should be a reasonable yardstick, especially since my local NWR Pax class is full of current and former National Champions. Unfortunately it will be February before our next event so you folks in sunnier climates will have a big head start.
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Where are you located?
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Our season won't begin again until the first of April. Lots of events through June and then divisional and National tours predominate. Right up to a Divisional and regional at Lincoln in August. Unfortunately my wife got sick in July and I was out for the rest of the season. Will be borrowing a friends GLI this weekend. Last time in a VW for me!!
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Seattle, Washington
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